Squash

Golden Summer Crookneck squash is a vibrant, tender summer variety known for its unique, slightly curved neck and golden-yellow skin. Organic and naturally grown, it offers a delicious, mild flavor with a smooth texture, making it perfect for a variety of culinary dishes. This early-maturing squash is well-suited for small gardens, offering high yields of flavorful fruit throughout the growing season.

Key Benefits

• Organic: Grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, ensuring a healthier and more environmentally friendly harvest.
• Early Maturity: Golden Summer Crookneck squash matures in 50-55 days, providing an early harvest for gardeners eager to enjoy fresh squash.
• High Yield: This variety produces abundant squash over the growing season, making it an excellent choice for both home gardeners and small-scale farming.
• Tender Texture and Mild Flavor: The squash's soft flesh and mild, slightly sweet flavor make it versatile for many dishes, from sautéed vegetables to casseroles and stews.
• Compact Growth: With a bushy, low-growing habit, it’s perfect for smaller garden spaces or container gardening.

Variety Features

• Appearance: The squash has a distinctive, crooked neck and smooth golden-yellow skin. The flesh is pale yellow and tender, making it ideal for both fresh eating and cooking.
• Flavor: Known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and soft, non-stringy texture, Golden Summer Crookneck is a versatile ingredient for a wide range of recipes.
• Maturity: Typically reaches maturity in 50-55 days, allowing for an early start to the squash season.
• Plant Size: The plant has a compact, bushy form, making it a good choice for smaller gardens or container gardening. It is also highly productive, yielding a good amount of fruit per plant.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Warm Weather: Plant seeds once the soil has warmed to 65°F (18°C) and after the danger of frost has passed. Golden Summer Crookneck squash requires full sun and warm temperatures to thrive.

Planting Details

• Sowing Depth: Sow seeds 1-2 inches deep into loose, fertile, well-drained soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart, allowing room for the squash to grow.
• Soil: Prefers rich, well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. Add organic compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Water consistently and deeply, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Avoid watering overhead to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
• Water at the base of the plant to keep foliage dry and reduce the chances of disease.

Light

• Golden Summer Crookneck squash thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.

Temperature

• Ideal growing temperatures are between 70°F-85°F (21°C-29°C). Protect young plants from frost, as they are very sensitive to cold temperatures.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Harvest the squash when they are 6-8 inches long and the skin is firm and smooth. The squash should be bright golden-yellow, and the flesh should be tender.
• For the best flavor and texture, harvest while the squash is still immature; overripe squash may become tough and bitter.

How to Harvest

• Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the squash from the vine, leaving a small section of stem attached. This will prevent the squash from spoiling quickly.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store squash in the refrigerator for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.
• Long-Term: Squash can be frozen for long-term storage. To freeze, blanch the squash briefly in boiling water before cooling and freezing.

Culinary Uses

• Sautéed: Slice into rounds or half-moons and sauté with garlic, onions, and olive oil for a simple side dish.
• Stuffed: Hollow out the squash and stuff with grains, cheese, and herbs for a hearty meal.
• Fritters: Grate and mix with egg, flour, and seasonings to make squash fritters.
• Stir-fries: Add slices of Golden Summer Crookneck squash to stir-fries for a mild, tender texture.
• Baked Goods: Incorporate grated squash into baked goods like muffins, bread, or cakes for added moisture and flavor.

Conclusion

Golden Summer Crookneck squash is a great choice for organic gardeners looking for an early-harvest, high-yielding summer squash. With its mild flavor, tender texture, and vibrant golden color, this variety is perfect for a wide range of dishes, from savory sides to baked goods. Its compact growth habit and early maturity make it well-suited for small gardens or container growing, providing gardeners with a bountiful harvest of delicious squash throughout the summer months.

Early Prolific Straightneck squash is a popular and reliable summer squash variety that is known for its early harvest, vigorous growth, and high yield. It produces tender, flavorful yellow squash with a slightly curved neck and straight body, making it perfect for fresh eating, cooking, and canning. This squash is easy to grow, producing a consistent and abundant harvest over the summer months.

Key Benefits

• Early Harvest: As the name suggests, Early Prolific Straightneck squash produces fruit early in the growing season, typically in just 50-55 days from planting, making it ideal for gardeners looking for a fast-growing variety.
• High Yield: This variety produces an abundant harvest, ensuring a steady supply of fresh squash throughout the summer.
• Tender, Mild Flavor: The tender flesh and mild, slightly sweet flavor make Early Prolific Straightneck squash versatile in cooking, from stir-fries and sautés to casseroles and fritters.
• Space-Efficient: Compact plants require less space compared to other squash varieties, making them ideal for small gardens or container gardening.
• Easy to Grow: Early Prolific Straightneck squash is known for its hardiness and adaptability, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners or those with limited experience.

Variety Features

• Appearance: The squash has a smooth, bright yellow skin with a straight, slender neck and bulbous base. The flesh is pale yellow and tender.
• Flavor: The flavor is mild and slightly sweet, making it a favorite for a wide range of dishes, from savory to sweet.
• Maturity: Early Prolific Straightneck squash matures quickly, within 50-55 days, and produces fruit throughout the growing season.
• Plant Size: The plant grows to a compact size with bushy, low-growing vines, making it well-suited for small garden spaces or container gardening.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Warm Weather: Plant Early Prolific Straightneck squash after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C). These squash require warm temperatures and plenty of sunlight to thrive.

Planting Details

• Sowing Depth: Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep into fertile, well-drained soil.
• Spacing: Space the plants 18-24 inches apart to give them room to grow. Each plant will need some space to spread out.
• Soil: Squash prefers rich, well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Add organic compost to the soil to provide additional nutrients and improve drainage.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Water consistently, ensuring the soil stays moist but not soggy. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it's important to let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
• Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the foliage, which can encourage fungal diseases.

Light

• Full sun is required for Early Prolific Straightneck squash to grow successfully. Aim for at least 6-8 hours of sunlight each day for optimal growth and fruit production.

Temperature

• Squash plants thrive in temperatures between 70°F-85°F (21°C-29°C). Make sure to protect young plants from frost, as they are sensitive to cold temperatures.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Harvest Early Prolific Straightneck squash when the fruit is young and tender, typically 5-7 inches long. The skin should be smooth and shiny, and the squash should feel firm to the touch.
• Overripe squash can become tough and bitter, so it’s important to pick them early while the flesh is still tender.

How to Harvest

• Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the squash from the vine, leaving a small portion of stem attached to prevent rot.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store fresh squash in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Long-Term: If you have a large harvest, squash can be frozen for longer storage. Blanch the squash first before freezing to maintain flavor and texture.

Culinary Uses

• Sautéed: Slice squash into rounds or half-moons and sauté with garlic, onions, and olive oil for a quick side dish.
• Stuffed: Hollow out the squash and stuff it with a mixture of cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then bake for a hearty meal.
• Fritters: Grate the squash and mix with eggs, flour, and seasonings to make savory fritters. Fry in oil for a crispy, delicious snack.
• Stir-fries: Add slices of squash to stir-fries for added texture and flavor.
• Baked Goods: Early Prolific Straightneck squash can also be used in baking, such as in muffins, bread, or cakes for a moist and tender texture.

Conclusion

Early Prolific Straightneck squash is a fast-growing, high-yielding variety that thrives in warm weather and provides an abundance of tender, flavorful squash throughout the summer months. Its versatility in cooking, ease of growth, and compact size make it a perfect choice for gardeners of all experience levels. Whether you're looking to sauté, stuff, or bake your squash, this variety will provide delicious results every time.

Vegetable Spaghetti is a unique and nutritious winter squash variety known for its fibrous, spaghetti-like flesh that can be easily scraped into strands after cooking. A favorite in low-carb and gluten-free diets, this squash offers a healthy alternative to pasta while delivering essential vitamins and nutrients. Its mildly sweet flavor and versatility make it an excellent addition to a variety of dishes, from savory meals to sweet desserts.

Key Benefits

• Healthy Pasta Alternative: The flesh of Vegetable Spaghetti squash, when cooked, separates into spaghetti-like strands, making it a perfect substitute for traditional pasta in low-carb or gluten-free dishes.
• Abundant Harvest: This variety produces a high yield of medium to large-sized squashes, providing plenty of food for meals throughout the season.
• Rich in Nutrients: Vegetable Spaghetti squash is low in calories, high in fiber, and a great source of vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants, supporting heart health and digestion.
• Versatile Use: Ideal for baking, roasting, sautéing, or stuffing, Vegetable Spaghetti squash can be used in a variety of dishes, from savory pasta alternatives to sweet baked goods.
• Long Shelf Life: As a winter squash, it has an excellent storage life, allowing you to enjoy your harvest long after the growing season ends.

Variety Features

• Appearance: Vegetable Spaghetti squash has a pale yellow to creamy white skin with a smooth, oval shape. The inside is filled with a mild-flavored, fibrous flesh that forms spaghetti-like strands when cooked.
• Flavor: The flavor is mildly sweet, slightly nutty, and neutral, making it suitable for both savory and sweet recipes.
• Maturity: This variety matures in about 80-90 days from planting, making it a mid-season squash that can be harvested in late summer to fall.
• Plant Size: Vegetable Spaghetti squash grows on vigorous vines that can spread widely, so it requires ample space for optimal growth.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Warm Weather: Plant Vegetable Spaghetti squash after the last frost date when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C). These squashes need full sun to grow successfully.

Planting Details

• Sowing Depth: Plant seeds 1-2 inches deep in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 36-48 inches apart to allow the vines to spread and grow. Squash plants need plenty of room to flourish.
• Soil: A fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5 is ideal for Vegetable Spaghetti squash. Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter to ensure healthy growth.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Water the plants deeply and consistently, especially during dry periods, to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Light

• Vegetable Spaghetti squash needs full sunlight, at least 6-8 hours a day, to thrive and produce a strong harvest.

Temperature

• These squashes perform best in temperatures between 70°F-85°F (21°C-29°C). Ensure the plants are protected from frost, as they are sensitive to cold.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Harvest Vegetable Spaghetti squash when the skin turns a golden yellow color and is hard to the touch. The vines will also start to dry out, signaling that the squash is ready for harvest.
• Leave the squashes on the vine until fully matured for the best texture and flavor.

How to Harvest

• Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the squash from the vine, leaving about 2 inches of stem attached. Handle gently to avoid bruising the squash.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store squash in a cool, dry place (60°F-70°F or 15°C-21°C) away from direct sunlight.
• Long-Term: Vegetable Spaghetti squash can be stored for 3-6 months in a cool, dry location with good ventilation, making it perfect for winter meals.

Culinary Uses

• Spaghetti Substitute: Roast or bake the squash whole, then use a fork to scrape the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. Top with marinara sauce, pesto, or your favorite pasta toppings for a healthy, gluten-free dish.
• Stuffed Squash: Roast halved squash and stuff with a mixture of rice, vegetables, and cheese for a delicious, hearty meal.
• Sweet Dishes: The mild sweetness of Vegetable Spaghetti squash makes it an excellent base for baked goods like muffins or pies. Try using it in recipes for cakes, breads, or pancakes for a unique twist.
• Sautéed: After scraping the strands, sauté the squash with garlic, olive oil, and herbs for a simple side dish.
• Soup or Casseroles: Add cooked squash strands to soups, stews, or casseroles for a comforting and nutritious addition.

Conclusion

Vegetable Spaghetti squash is a nutritious, versatile, and unique addition to any garden. Its spaghetti-like texture and mild flavor make it a great alternative to traditional pasta, while its long shelf life allows you to enjoy your harvest well into the winter months. Whether you're looking for a healthy pasta substitute, a savory stuffing base, or a unique ingredient for sweet dishes, Vegetable Spaghetti squash offers endless culinary possibilities.

Melody Blend is a vibrant, multi-colored mix of summer squash varieties, carefully selected for their distinct flavors, textures, and beautiful presentation. This blend features both yellow and green zucchini, with smooth, glossy skins and tender flesh, creating an appealing mix for any garden or kitchen. Melody Blend is perfect for those who love variety in their harvests and enjoy a wide range of culinary possibilities.

Key Benefits

• Colorful Variety: This blend features a beautiful mix of squash colors, including yellow, green, and striped varieties, making it a visual treat for both your garden and your plate.
• Abundant Harvest: Melody Blend produces a high yield, providing a consistent supply of tender, flavorful squash throughout the growing season.
• Versatile Culinary Uses: Perfect for grilling, roasting, sautéing, stir-frying, or even using in salads, casseroles, and baked goods, these squashes add variety to your meals.
• Easy to Grow: Summer squashes are well-suited to both new and experienced gardeners, growing quickly and requiring minimal care to produce abundant crops.
• Nutrient-Rich: Summer squash is a great source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as potassium and fiber, supporting overall health and well-being.

Variety Features

• Appearance: Melody Blend includes squash varieties with smooth, glossy skins in shades of yellow, green, and even striped, offering a colorful and attractive harvest. The fruits are typically 6-8 inches in length and cylindrical in shape.
• Flavor: The flavor is mild, sweet, and slightly nutty, with tender flesh that retains its delicate texture when cooked.
• Maturity: Melody Blend varieties mature in about 50-60 days from planting, making them a fast-growing and early-harvesting option for summer gardens.
• Plant Size: These plants are bushy and compact, suitable for smaller garden spaces, raised beds, or container gardens.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Warm Weather: Plant Melody Blend squash after the last frost date when the soil has warmed to at least 60°F (16°C). Zucchini and summer squash thrive in warm weather and require full sun for optimal growth.

Planting Details

• Sowing Depth: Plant seeds 1 inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Spacing: Space plants 18-24 inches apart to give them ample room to spread and grow. Squash plants can become large, so ensure they have enough space to thrive.
• Soil: A slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) enriched with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure will promote healthy growth.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry spells. Zucchini and summer squash need consistent moisture for optimal growth and fruit production. Be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot.

Light

• Melody Blend squashes need full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day to grow successfully. Choose a sunny spot in your garden for best results.

Temperature

• These squashes thrive in temperatures between 70°F-85°F (21°C-29°C). Ensure the plants are protected from frost and receive steady warmth throughout the growing season.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Melody Blend squash should be harvested when the fruits reach 6-8 inches in length, before they become too large and tough. For the best flavor and texture, pick them while they are still young and tender.

How to Harvest

• Use a sharp knife or garden shears to cut the squash from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Regular harvesting encourages continued production throughout the season.

Storage

• Short-Term: Freshly harvested squash can be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to 1 week.
• Long-Term: To store squash for longer periods, freeze it after blanching or preserve it in pickled form. You can also preserve the seeds for future planting.

Culinary Uses

• Grilled or Roasted: Slice the squash and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before grilling or roasting to enhance its natural sweetness and flavor.
• Sautéed or Stir-Fried: Slice or cube the squash and stir-fry with garlic, onions, or other vegetables for a quick and healthy meal.
• Zucchini Bread or Muffins: Grate the squash and use it in baking to make delicious, moist zucchini bread or muffins.
• Stuffed Squash: Hollow out the squash and stuff it with rice, cheese, and herbs for a tasty main dish.
• Salads: Use raw, thinly sliced squash in fresh salads, adding a mild flavor and crisp texture.

Conclusion

Melody Blend summer squash is a colorful, productive, and versatile vegetable that offers a mix of flavors and textures to enrich your garden and meals. With its easy growth, abundant harvest, and wide culinary applications, Melody Blend is a perfect choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners looking to add variety and nutrition to their summer harvest.

Add a reliable and productive vegetable to your summer garden with Fordhook Zucchini, a popular summer squash known for its robust growth and delicious, mild flavor. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, this variety promises high yields and quick results.

Key Benefits

• High-Yielding Variety: Produces abundant crops of 6–8 inch zucchinis, ideal for continuous harvesting.
• Mild, Sweet Flavor: Offers a delicate, mild flavor that enhances various dishes from salads to stir-fries.
• Fast Growing: Ready to harvest in just 50–55 days, perfect for those looking for quick garden rewards.
• Disease-Resistant: Known for its resilience against common squash diseases like powdery mildew.
• Organic and Non-GMO: Grown organically to ensure you enjoy a healthy, chemical-free harvest.

How to Plant Fordhook Zucchini Seeds

Planting Season:

Plant seeds outdoors in late spring or early summer, once the soil temperature reaches around 70°F or higher.

Seed Preparation:

No special treatment is required, though warming the soil before planting can speed up germination.

Planting Instructions:

• Depth: Plant seeds 1 inch deep in the soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds 2–3 feet apart to allow ample room for growth.
• Light Requirement: Full sun is ideal for optimal growth and fruit production.
• Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.5).

Water and Care

• Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water at the base to avoid wetting the leaves.
• Fertilizer: Feed with organic, balanced fertilizer once plants are established.
• Pest Management: Watch for squash bugs and other common pests, and treat with organic solutions as needed.

Perfect For

• Home Gardens: A classic addition to any vegetable garden for consistent, reliable harvests.
• Container Gardening: Grows well in raised beds or large containers, perfect for smaller spaces.
• Culinary Use: Versatile for grilling, baking, sautéing, or adding to soups, salads, and casseroles.
• Eco-Conscious Gardens: Ideal for organic gardeners who seek a natural, non-GMO crop.

Recommended Coverage

A packet of Fordhook Zucchini seeds will cover approximately 10–15 plants, ensuring you have plenty of zucchinis to enjoy all season long.

Grow Your Own Delicious Zucchini!

Start your organic zucchini garden with Fordhook Zucchini seeds today! This easy-to-grow, high-yielding variety is perfect for gardeners of all levels. Enjoy a plentiful harvest of fresh, homegrown zucchini that’s perfect for cooking and snacking.

Black Beauty Summer Squash is a popular and high-yielding variety known for its vibrant, glossy, dark green skin and tender, mild-flavored flesh. This prolific squash produces an abundance of fruits, perfect for fresh eating or cooking. A favorite in home gardens, it grows quickly and is easy to maintain, making it an ideal choice for gardeners of all experience levels.

Key Benefits

• High Yielding: Black Beauty produces an abundance of squash throughout the growing season, offering a bountiful harvest.
• Delicious Flavor: The flesh is tender and mild, perfect for a wide range of culinary uses, from grilling and sautéing to baking and steaming.
• Easy to Grow: A fast-growing and low-maintenance plant that thrives in warm temperatures, ideal for gardeners seeking a hassle-free vegetable.
• Nutrient-Rich: Black Beauty squash is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and dietary fiber, supporting a healthy diet.

Variety Features

• Appearance: The squash has a glossy, dark green skin that turns slightly lighter as it matures. The fruit is typically 6-8 inches long and 2-3 inches in diameter.
• Flavor: The flesh is tender, mild, and slightly sweet, making it a versatile vegetable for various cooking methods.
• Maturity: Black Beauty Summer Squash matures in about 50-60 days from planting, allowing for a quick harvest.
• Plant Size: The plants are bushy and compact, making them perfect for smaller garden spaces or container gardening.

Planting Instructions

Best Planting Season

• Warm Weather: Plant Black Beauty Summer Squash in late spring after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F (16°C). Squash thrives in warm temperatures.

Planting Details

• Sowing Depth: Plant seeds about 1 inch deep in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds 18-24 inches apart to give the plants room to grow and spread.
• Soil: Squash prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0) that is rich in organic matter. Add compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil quality.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist, especially during hot, dry periods. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of disease.

Light

• Plant Black Beauty Squash in a location that receives full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours a day. The plant thrives in warm conditions with ample light.

Temperature

• Summer squash grows best in temperatures between 70°F-85°F (21°C-29°C). Protect young plants from frost and provide them with consistent warmth throughout the growing season.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Begin harvesting Black Beauty Squash when the fruits are young, typically about 6-8 inches in length. If left too long, the squash will become tough and develop seeds.

How to Harvest

• Use garden shears or scissors to cut the squash from the plant, leaving a small portion of the stem attached to prevent damage. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production.

Storage

• Short-Term: Store harvested squash in a cool, dry place for up to a week. Refrigeration can extend shelf life for a few extra days.
• Long-Term: For long-term storage, freeze summer squash. Slice and blanch it before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.

Culinary Uses

• Grilled or Roasted: Slice Black Beauty Squash into rounds or lengthwise and grill or roast with olive oil, garlic, and herbs.
• Stir-Fried: Add sliced squash to stir-fries with other vegetables or proteins for a healthy, flavorful dish.
• Baked Dishes: Use in casseroles or bake with a topping of breadcrumbs and cheese.
• Zucchini Noodles: Spiralize Black Beauty Squash into noodles for a low-carb alternative to pasta.
• Stuffed Squash: Hollow out the squash and stuff it with a savory filling for a delightful main course.
• Fresh in Salads: Slice or cube the squash and add it raw to salads for a crunchy, refreshing texture.

Conclusion

Black Beauty Summer Squash is an easy-to-grow and highly productive variety that offers flavorful, tender squash throughout the growing season. Perfect for gardeners in both small and large spaces, it requires minimal care and provides an abundance of nutritious, delicious vegetables. Whether grilled, sautéed, or used in a wide variety of dishes, Black Beauty Squash is a versatile addition to your garden and kitchen.