The Family Kitchen Gardener (1856)/Squash
SQUASH.
Cucùrbita Melópepo.—Courge ou Potiron, Fr.
This vegetable is in general use from June to August, or even October, and is extensively cultivated in this vicinity for the market. There is no garden, however unpretending, should omit its culture.
They may be cooked in the very simplest form, requiring about an hour’s boiling in water. When done, mash well, place them in a colander and press out the water freely. Season with pepper, cream and butter, and dish them up for the table.
There are several sorts for both Summer and Winter use. The former only deserves attention, as the latter are inferior to the Cashaw Pumpkin.
Early Bush, or Patty-pan, from its dwarf habit and productiveness, is preferred for early crops. It is of a yellowish white color, round and pan-shaped. Many acres of them are grown for our markets.
Green Striped, or Large-Green.—This crook-necked variety is perfectly green, with a few light stripes in it. Some prefer it to the former, though not generally, it being both later and more rampant in growth.
Culture.—Plant in May, June, and July, in hills four feet each way, in the same manner as directed for Cucumbers. Their general management and after-culture is the same in every respect. Half an ounce of seed will supply any family. They are fit for use when about the size of the fist. When the skin becomes so hard that the nail of the finger cannot pierce it easily, it is unfit for use.