Page 8 - FEB2020

Julia’s veggies -Healthy Growing, Healthy Eating

We have been so blessed in the Gaborone area this summer with
decent amounts of rainfall since November. And veggies with a long
Vegetable of the Season – Butternut squashes

Pumpkin and Butternut are part of the autumn/winter squash group;
summer squash includes zucchini, patty pan and spaghetti squash.

How to grow: Butternut should be planted once all danger of frost has
passed as they are extremely frost tender. I usually plant mine at the start of September
and sometimes plant a second crop in January or February if the first one had to be taken
out due to powdery mildew or pest infection. All squash like to be planted in a mound.
They are heavy feeders so it is a good idea to enrich the soil below the mound with com-
post and a nitrogen rich fertiliser. Water daily unless it has rained. Keep weeds at bay, but
be careful not to damage the plant’s shallow root system.

When to harvest: Butternut is ready when they have changed colour and you can-
not pierce the skin with your finger nail. Cut off the fruits, leaving 5cm of stem. Winter
squash will keep well for up two months - store them in a cool, dry place until needed.
Why eat: This is one of the tastiest vegetables so that is a very good reason to include
it in your diet! Butternut can be cooked in a variety of ways including boiling, boiling then
mashing or pureeing, roasting and also covering in foil to cook on the braai. Although not
thought of as a super food it does contain plenty of Vitamin A and has fair amounts of
fibre, potassium and magnesium.
Organic Gardening Tips

•A tripod can be used to support the butternut plant if grown in a small garden.