I decided to try some of the winter squash available at the local supermarket. Acorn, butternut, and spaghetti is it. I was unimpressed with them all. I hope someone will tell me that those grown at home taste better. ?????..

My favorites are: Galeaux D'eyesines, fairy tale, but my ULTIMATE favorite is Long Island Cheese.

I am trying a new variety this year called Greek Sweet Red. It is a butternut type, but maroon and leathery.

My favorite squash has always been spaghetti squash. Back in Denver, there was a place where my late husband and I shopped a lot that had a lot of different vegetables than we had seen in the regular grocery stores. I don't even remember the name of half of the food we tried. What I totally loved about this store is that they had a ton of recipe cards in the produce section along with the different vegetables. As long as there was a recipe, I would try anything. I remember really liking acorn squash but the only squash I've ever grown has been zucchini and spaghetti squash.

This year, I have far too many spaghetti squash plants growing, so I'm sure I'll be giving some away. The roommate decided he was really interested in some butternut squash, so I managed to squeeze in a couple butternut squash seeds the other day. And if any of the spaghetti squash vines don't grow, they will quickly be replaced with butternut squash. I had butternut squash soup once that was fantastic, so it would be nice to find a recipe just as good on the internet.

I always bake or grill spaghetti squash with butter and brown sugar (and sometimes add freshly ground black pepper), but I'll have to try something different this year. I think home grown squash tastes better than what is sold in the stores, but I think getting a good recipe is also key. I do know that I'd rather have squash with my meals than regular potatoes. My roommate is trying to convince me to plant the regular white potatoes we have that have sprouted, but I keep thinking, "But we have three kinds of sweet potatoes, a lot of squash, and a variety of vegetables in the garden. And they have much more nutritional value than potatoes." I may have to cave because I just can't argue with someone that likes fried potatoes several times a week and just recently bought a deep fryer to make french fries at home. I've never been a big fan of greasy, fried foods too often.

Glad to hear homegrown squash is tastier, because that in the store is bland. Like all store veggies and fruit

Anderwood said:My favorites are: Galeaux D'eyesines, fairy tale, but my ULTIMATE favorite is Long Island Cheese.

I am trying a new variety this year called Greek Sweet Red. It is a butternut type, but maroon and leathery.

I haven't heard of these squash, where do you get the seeds? Thanks.

One way I like to eat Butternut squash is to cut them into chunks and put them into a covered dish and pour a can of chunk pineapple over it,Juice and all, and bake it all together. Something different and good.

texaskitty111 said: I decided to try some of the winter squash available at the local supermarket. Acorn, butternut, and spaghetti is it. I was unimpressed with them all. I hope someone will tell me that those grown at home taste better. ?????..

I find all fruits and veggies taste better "homegrown". Doesn't have to be "my home" but "close". For example I have never, ever grown a good melon but I'll buy from a local roadside stand before the grocer. Funny how my phone rings in 'mater season..."Oh just wondered how you've been doing? Did you grow any tomatoes this year?"

As if I'd quit! LOL!

I always try to grow a little more than I want or plan to save, I enjoy gifting or swapping with friends, family, and neighbors. My Grandma had a quote about a garden "not being happy unless it's shared". I believe there's a bit of truth in that.

My preference in winter squash is butternut. Two years without, this is a timely reminder!

Yes, there's still time to get it in.

Butternut is best mashed (as in mashed potato style) or cut into pieces and roasted.

@tveguy3 I got them from Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, and Seed Savers.

Thanks they have some really interesting varieties.

@tveguy3 what varieties did you decide on? Another good source is Native Seed SEARCH. They have very rare varieties from the southwest. I'm sure they would do fine up north here as well.

Have fun with your squash Tom!

I bought a packet of mixed variety winter squash. Can anyone tell me what type this is?

Mrs. Aquillard's Cushaw Squash growing nicely.

I am a bit unsure what this squash/pumpkin is. It germinated from my mulch. Usually mine are all Jap and Butternut Pumpkins. Even so, it is looking delicious as it expands.

@Texaskitty111 not sure what your mystery squash is, maybe butternut? It will be fun watching them grow and trying to figure what they are. Beautiful blue flowers in background of your photo, what plant are they from?

They are larkspur. I think it will be fun too. So far, I'm guessing spaghetti squash. Anyone else? I doubt the packet had anything exotic in there, but its possible.

Here's a current picture of my mystery squash:

Also, I took a picture of my squash leaves. They are huge. Is this a sign of good health, or too much nitrogen? The plants themselves are not sprawling like they usually do. They have many veggies.

Mine decided to rot in the rain on me. Sniff.

Anyone know how to tell if spaghetti squash is ready to harvest? Or any winter squash for that matter.