Avocado Squash - A must for any garden

 This year I tried Avocado Squash for the first time in my Straw Bales. I didn't know what to expect. To be totally honest there was not a whole lot on the vegetable for us to really learn about... But there was one thing that was certain and that was the prolific growth from early spring and still going strong in the fall.

So what exactly is an avocado squash? There are a number of names for this vegetable. It is an Asian vegetable and if you like Zucchini you will absolutely Love the Avocado Squash.

There is some caution that needs to be adhered with regards to Growing and Eating Avocado Squash...First... If allowed to grow on the vine the Avocado Squash will get extremely seedy. The first picture shows a small Avocado Squash but as you see in the Pic I had to scoop out the inside. A good rule of thumb when Growing Avocado Squash is to grow it to the size of a large orange. If left on the vine the Avocado Squash will grow to the size of a Pumpkin.. which is great for seeds.. Some have used that size in soups.. I personally don't  want to go that route

The Entire vegetable can be eaten at the size of a large orange. Skin and All... The texture is buttery and smooth and is an excellent alternative to Zucchini.. Paired with garlic this vegetable is a home run!!

The Shelf life is short if left out at room temperature. If you harvest more than you can eat.. which you will... the Avocado Squash will store perfectly in the fridge for about a week.

This variety grows perfect in Straw bales and as personal experience will tell you it grows out of control..It also has the unique quality of being a vertical grower. So if you have limited space and want to grow up.. this will do the trick. I have heard the Avocado Squash makes Great Zucchini Bread. I cant wait to try that. 

Saving Seeds and the process of Fermentation

Seeds and Pulp Recovered from Avocado Squash

This year my Advocado Squash aka Early Balum squash has done exceptionally well within the haybale garden. So much so that I will save seeds so that I can have a supply of resources for the garden. I have been intimidated by the idea of seed saving for quite some time. But given the global crisis with the financial system that has saturated us for sometime.... Learning how to save seeds couldn't come at a better time. As I studied my options I began to realize that this whole process is really not that hard. Like with anything... if you want to get good at it you are going to have to do it.. So im jumping in with both feet!!

Place seeds in Jar/ Add half of water to jar

I want to save seeds from all of my herbs, greeny vegetables, tomatoes, squash, peppers and eggplants. Some of these vegetables like the peppers, herbs and greeny veggies are relatively easy to save seeds from. However, vegetables and fruit like tomatoes, squash and eggplants need to undergo the fermentation process before they are ready to save as seeds.

Fermentation for seed saving... from what I gather is the process of allowing the seeds and the sticky residue that often envelopes these types of seeds to dissipate through the process of "fermintation" this is acheived by placing the seeds in a jar of some type with just enough water to cover the seeds and by placing the jar in a room that is between 75 and 80 degrees... The seeds will begin to ferment in approx 5 days loosening the protective coating that encapsulates the seed prepping it for germination in the future.

Find a place that is approx 75 to 80 degrees and let sit for approx
5 days. The fermintation process will begin when bubbles and froth is
present. Only viable seeds will begin to sink and dead seeds will float.

The true test is to achieve germination....  

Harvest from this seasons Haybales

Well as suspected.. I came home to find the garden looking like a scene out of Jumanji!! In my wifes defense... I have to seriously re-consider the layout of the garden for the spring and summer. It's way to hot and the mosquitos are vicious. So with some careful consideration we are going to start using our deck to grow more produce and grow produce in the garden that is easy to navigate through.

In the basket are some extremely healthy looking butternut squash and some gigantic Avocado Squash that were grown exclusively from the haybales. In fact the haybales have totally collapsed and decomposed and the vegetables are thriving on the rich matter that is accumulated in the raise beds.

Because of the heat and other issues my wife just watered the garden and said the hell with picking anything. I don't blame her... when the weather is 100 degrees and 110% percent humidity with mosquitos so thick they cover any exposed bare skin. The Avocado Squash are supposed to be harvested at around tennis ball size. They are extremely prolific and and if picked regulary will continue to produce amazing sets of buttery textured zucchini quality fruit. These on the other hand are the size of soccer balls and therefore not fit to consume or maybe I will see. But my maion focus for these guys will be to save there seeds for next season. Speaking of next Season.. We definetly need to have a new game plan to deal with this heat.