Almost nothing in the plant world can compete with the beauty and baffling array of shapes and colors exhibited by winter squash.
From butternuts to cheese pumpkins… candy roasters to Jack-o-lanterns… the variety is amazing.
Not all squash grow well in every location, however. Some take a long time to mature and others can’t take humidity. Some are prone to squash vine borers, others are not.
In the Pacific northwest, for example, C. moschata types such as Seminole pumpkins will fail to do all that hot even though C. maxima types will rock. In the south, it’s hard to grow a Hubbard but a butternut will almost grow itself.
What’s the solution? Plant a bunch of different types and see what works for you. Then, save the best and keep on planting and interplanting. Just make sure you’ve got enough individual plants to insure against inbreeding depression. 25 is a good rule of thumb. Yes, that’s a lot of squash – but it’s not like they don’t keep!
This gentleman in North Dakota is breeding squash that’s perfectly suited to his taste buds and his climate:
If you’re not sure which squash varieties to start with, talk to local farmers and gardeners, then start with those, adding other types as they strike your fancy. Some winter squash have wonderful flavor – others are watery and stringy. Go with what tastes good and grow well, then start selecting for whatever you like. Over time, you’ll have bred your very own variety.
If you’d like to start breeding squash seriously, we very much recommend Carol Deppe’s book Breed Your Own Vegetable Varieties .
For a look at how winter squash fit into a survival garden or self-sufficient homestead, her book The Resilient Gardener is a great place to start.
Now get out there and get planting!