Whew! It’s been freezing nearly every night so all the squash and pumpkins had to come inside. This year, we’ve put them all in the house. (Last year the cows got out and ate a lot of the ones we stored in the barn. Now we stumble over pumpkins and squash everywhere. They crowd the entryway, the spare bedroom, the kitchen, and dining room. More than 120 Hopi Pale Grey, two dozen Apache Giant, 20 San Felipe pumpkins, 40 Howdens, a handful of Atlantic Giant pumpkins, Gila Cliff Dweller squash, and some assorted ones from here and there.
On top of that are buckets full of potatoes and rutabagas. I still have to pull the carrots and parsnips.
Oh, I didn’t mention the crates of tomatoes sitting everywhere, even on top of the piles of squash, did I? There’s FOOD everywhere!
I’m sure not complaining, but folks’ eyes sure bug out when they come in the house, nowadays! –Jackie
Rick Riley,
We were kind of disappointed with the Apache Giants too, but I’ll bet they’d do a whole lot better in a warmer climate as they’re from Arizona originally (Jess Hazzard’s boyhood home!). We’ll try ’em again next year as they DID make squash. We’ll let them cure then try them to see how they taste. I’ll keep you posted.
Winter of the Wolves should be coming out soon. I’ll let you know when I know for sure.
Jackie
Thanks for the reply, DonnaB! Yes, we’ve been fortunate enough to grow sweet meat in the past but I was w/o seeds this spring. (Crop failure last summer) and my friend was helping by offering seeds from her stash. But the resulting squash were long and narrow not short and fat. :) I think she got her seeds last year from Baker Creek but I’m pretty sure the seeds were mixed up in her “filing system” over the winter. No matter! I’m so happy to receive any squash seeds.
Miss Jackie, I love the Hopi pale grey squash and my vine from the compost pile provided some fresh squash for us in addition to all I have canned from last year. I was a little disappointed with the Apache giant, but would consider growing a few vines for the beautiful leaves. Who know it may really be giant next year!!!!
Can’t wait for the next book in the Jess Hazard series….be sure to let us know when it is available from you….Rick
Elizabeth,
There actually is a pale bluish grey squash called Sweet Meat. Your friend’s seeds may actually be Sweet Meat. Blue Hubbard is another blue squash but since Hubbards are lumpier, they are more recognizable.
If your friend’s seeds are Hopi Pale Grey, you are a fortunate person. From what I understand, Hope Pale Grey is fairly rare which is why Jackie and Will are trying to save it and spread it around so it doesn’t go extinct.
Hmmm. I (happily) received some squash seeds last year that the giver labeled “sweet meat”. But one look @ your hopi grey confirmed that she gave me hopi grey seeds instead as our squash looks just like yours! I can’t wait to share your post wit her. We’ll both get a good laugh out of this one!
Cindy,
Oh, we don’t feel bad about having food all over our house. We feel totally thankful and blessed that we had such a good harvest!
WOW your squash and pumpkins look great!! Thanks for the pictures especially of the Hopi squash. Now I know what it looks like when ripe!
I see a couple of yours have an area of yellow too so I”m going out to pick mine up!
Some of those pumpkins are new to me and look great! Always something new to try!
Don’t feel bad about having food all over your house! Be thankful!! Thanks for sharing!
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