As days grow cooler and fall truly moves into the area, many people will be stocking up on fall staples, but what is the difference between a pumpkin, squash, and gourd? They are all members of the same family (Cucurbitaceae), along with both cucumbers and melons. They all have similar growing requirements, but there are some key differences between the three categories.
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Pumpkins are the traditional orange round vegetable that everyone knows and loves. They also come in different colors such as white, yellow, and gray. They can range in size from a few pounds to over 2,000 lbs. Pumpkins are edible and are used in pies, breads, and other bakery items. Pumpkins are generally separated into two categories, carving and pie pumpkins. Carving pumpkins have stringy, bland flesh, while pie pumpkins have smaller, sweeter fruit.
- Gourds are grown for cosmetic reasons versus their edibility. They have hard shells that hold up well for decorating, and traditionally have been used for toys, birdhouses, and storage. Gourds come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Gourds are often sold in seed blends, so the grower has a large variety to harvest from.
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Squash, both summer and winter, are grown purely to be eaten. Summer squash are usually enjoyed fresh, shortly after picking; the most popular varieties are zucchini and yellow crookneck. These are sometimes also referred to as “tender” squash, and are picked while the fruit is young. Winter squash are grown to be stored and eaten throughout the fall and winter; the most popular varieties of winter squash include butternut, acorn, and delicata. Some varieties produce small squashes the right size for individual servings, while others produce enormous fruits of fifteen pounds or more, good for soups, pies, mashing or freezing.
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Something eating your plant? Need help identifying a tree? Interested in the best way to care for your lawn? Submit your questions online!
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| Kaitlin Bricco, Horticulture Educator |
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The Horticulture Educator is currently out on leave until the beginning of December.
For immediate assistance please call (920)832-5121. If this is regarding a horticulture question, please visit:
Or you can contact "Gardener SOS" through the Outagamie County Master Gardener Association at gardenersos@outagamie.org
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An EEO/AA employer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension provides equal opportunities in employment and programming, including Title VI, Title IX, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act requirements.
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