Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Pumpkins and Zucchini Plants
The plants that are doing really well in the garden right now are the pumpkins and the zucchini. Not that they have produced any fruit yet, but they are nice and healthy looking. The pumpkin plants are growing like crazy and taking over everything.
It's even growing up the picket fence.
And attaching itself to the planter holder. The pumpkin sends tendrils to hold onto everything! I have yet to see flowers emerging from the pumpkin plant. I really can't wait to see an actual pumpkin forming.
The zucchini plants are in the same bed as the pumpkin. There are lots of male flowers, but no female flower so far. The seeds of these green zucchini plants were given to me by Charlotte, of Char's Gardening. I have 5 plants growing, I hope it will produce lots and lots of squash for us. I love zucchini! I'm hoping to have enough to freeze. Do you freeze zucchini? If so, do you have to blanch it first, or do you just shred it raw and stick it in the freezer?
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I don't bother blanching my zucchs before freezing. I just slice them, freeze them on a cookie sheet, then bag them. They're fine for just about any method of cooking without thawing, but might be a tad too watery for stir-frying.
ReplyDeleteYour pumpkin vines look like they will take over the world!
ReplyDelete:)
I just shred the zuchinni(no blanching) and freeze it like that for breads/etc.
I freeze mine the same way as Dahlia does. It works out very well.
ReplyDeleteI grow my spaghetti squash along our picket fence. It's a great support for them!
With 5 plants you should have enough for your whole neighborhood!
You could also shred and measure them before bagging to thaw out this winter to make fresh zuchinni bread. That is my favorite garden treat!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun, seeing where the pumpkin will grow next! I hope you get a good crop of the pumpkins and squash. My squash plants are only about 8 inches tall. I don't remember if I have frozen them before, but am glad to read Dahlia's comment, and may try this year if I get a good crop.
ReplyDeleteI've never frozen them before. Have chunked and cooked them into a pasta sauce to freeze though.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to hear how people freeze their zucs. I am hoping to have enough squash to freeze this year.
ReplyDeleteThey look great! Mine are taking over everything, too and I noticed the first squash today! Hope yours isn't far behind.
ReplyDeleteI've shredded mine with a cheese grater and stuck them in freezer safe mason jars. If they get a little freezer burn on top I just rinse it off. My favorite way to eat them is in a rice gratin with bechamel sauce. Deborah Madison has great recipe for this in her book, which you can check out through the link on my website: http://www.mysuburbanhomestead.com/cookbook-review-vegetarian-cooking-deborah-madison/
ReplyDeleteAlso, I like other summer squash better than zuchini. If you haven't had yellow crookneck before, it is a must have for next year's garden!
You've got great looking plants. I would think 5 zucchini plants will suffice, and then some! Congrats.
ReplyDeleteYum, I bet you're gonna get lots of great squash this year. I always get discouraged because the female flowers are so late to show up. Plenty of flowers but no swelling stems yet. I do plan to grate some to freeze this year.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I am growing your cucumber seeds! Two of them are climbin up a trellis!
Wow your zuke plant is far far ahead of mine! Looks great!
ReplyDeleteBlanching inactivates the enzymes which help vegetables ripen and mature. Blanched vegetables have better color, flavor, taste and a crunchier texture.
ReplyDelete