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Welcome
to
Pro-Organic Belize
Tropical Garden Grow Guide
Where you are the student and the teacher.
| Botanic name: | Cucurbita pepo |
| Plant type: | vegetable |
| Sun exposure: | full sun |
| Prefered soil type: | rich moist soil
with compost worked in |
| Seed depth: | 1/2 – 1 inch
deep, depending on the size of the seeds |
| Germination: | 3 to 7 days (don't forget to water) |
| Maturity: | approximately 2 months |
| Space: | Pumpkins need a lot of space as they sprawl. Four plants can take over a 10' x 10' garden space. |
Pumpkin Squash overflowing from garden
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Featured plant of the month June 2022
Pumpkin Squash
by
Mary Loan
Pumpkin
squash are a familiar vegetable found year-round in
the open air markets of Belize. The most
common are recognized by their round, slightly domed,
segmented shape; some varieties have scalloped edges. They are
similar to a squash known as patty pan. All varieties
are generally from 4-8” across at maturity. They are
very green on the outside, with pale yellow to
orangeish flesh.
There are many squash varieties that are called
pumpkins in Belize.
Pumpkin squash grown in Belize are said to have
originated in Guatemala and Belize.
Generally plant
seeds at least twice as deep as the seed is long. East-West
seeds in Benque Viejo in Cayo may have seeds or you
could ask a local farmer; then save the seeds from
one of your own for the next planting.
Pumpkin
plants are pollinated by insects, especially honey
bees. They
grow year-round in Belize. It is
helpful to mulch the plants heavily to retain moisture
and prevent weeds.
Keep seedlings moist, but not water logged.
Water plants deeply at least once per week after they
are established.
If other varieties of squash are planted
close-by, they may cross pollinate. Whatever squash
you grow is better harvested when small and the seeds
are not developed.
Let some grow to full maturity to harvest, wash
and dry the seeds for another crop.
Nutrition:
Pumpkin squash is low in calories: I8 calories per cup
raw, 38 calories per cup cooked. They contain
vitamins A and C, folate, potassium and manganese.
Recipes:
Pumpkin squash can be used any way zucchini squash are
used. Grate
or chop raw for salads or salsa. Sliced
squash can be cooked on the grill. It can be grated
and baked into bread and muffins, added to
ratatouille, stir fried, baked, or added to soups. The blossoms
and the tips of the vines can be chopped and eaten in
salads or fried.
Happy growing and eating. Please add recipes or growing information. Send to proorganicbelize@gmail.com.