Name: Honey Nut Squash
Type of Plant: A fantastic small winter squash for growing on a trellis or other support in full sun.
Why I love this: Where do I start to rave about this plant? OK…we have to start with the taste of the end product because if that isn’t superb there isn’t any reason to grow it, right? One of the reasons we go to the trouble of growing our own veggies is that the flavor is so much better. This is the case with this small-sized butternut squash. It is sweet and flavorful. Secondly, this squash has mildew resistant foliage, which is a huge plus in my region. The squash itself is smaller which is perfect for many gardeners – one squash serves two to four people depending on the dish and their appetites. (My husband and I commonly eat a half squash between us, so one provides a side dish for two meals.) For many gardeners the small size of the plants is also a plus; you can grow this up a trellis or arbor. Finally, we planted eight to ten plants, growing about 8 inches apart and up a trellis. Each vine produced at least 3 squash, and if they’d been planted further apart they probably would have produced more.
A Word to the Wise: Like all vegetables, Honey Nut squash should be planted in full sun. And like all squash, keep your eyes out for the start of powdery mildew because even mildew-resistant varieties can get it, especially in summers when there isn’t regular rain. Don’t look for plants, plant this squash from seed!!
Butternut Squash, Baby, “Climbing Honey Nut” – Certified Organic Seeds
Unlike larger butternut squash, the Honey Nut variety is ripe when they are green/tan/orange. Use them in any winter squash recipe, or for “pumpkin” pies, eating baked right out of the oven or in winter squash soup.
