Pumpkin fruits range in size from miniatures weighing less than 1 pound to 1,000-pound giants. Choose thick-walled pie pumpkin varieties for cooking and baking, and varieties with thinner flesh for Halloween carving.
Cucumbers are prone to attacks from cucumber beetles, which transmit bacterial wilt. Choose resistant varieties whenever possible. Protect young plants with floating row covers but remove covers when plants come into flower to ensure ample pollination.
Butternut squash is a winter squash that is more resistant to vine borers than other squash varieties due to its thicker stem. The flesh is yellow with a sweet, nutty taste. It makes a great winter storage crop.
Acorn squash varieties have creamy, yellow flesh with a sweet, nutty flavor. It’s ideal for baking, roasting and pureeing for soup.
