Hardening Off the Butternut Squash

My butternut squash are spending two weeks in the upstairs hallway.  The temperatures are warmer in the upstairs and I am "hardening off" the squash.  This is a process where warmer temperatures (80 to 85 degrees) help the rind to grow harder.  This process will allow the squash to be stored for a longer period of time.  Once they finish their two weeks upstairs, I will bring them downstairs and store in a cool, dark location.

Here's the good news.  The squash vines are still active and I see another six squash growing on the vine!

Butterkin Squash?

I harvested the unknown squash this morning.  Here are two of the eight I cut from the vine.  You can see the pumpkin resemblance.  So butternut squash or butterkin (a portmanteau of butternut and pumpkin), I prepped one for roasting for lunch today.

One interesting thing I learned from about this type of squash.  You can harden them off and then store for two to three months.  Hardening off and proper storage are important for storage.  The link suggests warmer temperatures will create the thick, tough rind.  I'm going to place these in the upstairs as summer temperatures are a little in this location. 

Unknown Squash

My unknown squash continues to grow.  It is looking like a white pumpkin.  BUT some of the fruit are shaped less like a pumpkin and more like butternut squash.  We can only wait and watch to see how things continue to develop.  I love volunteers.

Still Not Sure What I am Growing...

Very exciting.  The unknown squash plant has taken over its corner of the garden.  Finally, the female flower began to bloom and a few have set.  Right now I think I might have a butternut squash plant on my hand.  Most of the fruit is still quite round, but one seems to have grown to a size where you can imagine the shape of butternut squash.  I gave the plant a tablespoon of John and Bob's soil optimizer to improve the soil and give the plant nutrients.

Squash Vines

Flower with tiny ant

Female flower

Growing squash.

Squash? Cantalope? Do you recognize this plant?

This little plant sprung up in the garden over the spring.  Clearly, a seed meant for the composter, made its way to the garden.  I don't think this is zucchini; leaves too rounded.  I'll be watching for the first blossoms to set fruit and report on what it is.