SOMETHING FOR THE WINTER

This month 'squashbuckler' Rob Smith takes a look at winter squash varieties - old, new, coming soon and something different with advice on sowing, growing, harvesting and storing

- Rob Smith

First off, it's easy to lump winter squash and pumpkins together, given their similar appearances and growing methods. However, there are some differences between the two.

Pumpkins are generally round, deep orange, with smooth, slightly ribbed skin. In contrast, winter squash come in various shapes, sizes and colours, from butternut squash's pear shape to the elongated spaghetti squash. The key difference? Winter squash's hard shell allows it to be stored and enjoyed throughout the winter months, less so its more perishable cousin, the pumpkin. Having said that, pumpkins should still last for at least three or four months in storage given the right conditions.

When it comes to what to grow, there are endless varieties available, all with their own benefits, but one thing you must consider when growing winter squash is space! When deciding which to grow, it's best to know the plant's habit, as this will determine where and how it can be grown; after all, some varieties will need lots of space, while others are happy in a pot.

■ Trailing: These plants spread out widely and are perfect for training up arches or along fences if they have smaller fruit, adding beauty and interest to your garden. If you find they are growing a little wayward, simply push a cane in the ground to direct the plant in the direction you want it to grow. If you remove the growing tip after it has reached the limits of where you want it, the plant will put on side growth and produce more fruit.