Have you ever considered gardening, but were too intimidated? Afraid that you will kill everything? It is easier than it seems to grow healthy, fresh food and you don’t even need a lot of space. Springtime is the best time to start planning what you would like to grow and where. If this is your first garden, aim for plants that are easy to grow and easy to take care of.

Here are a few plants that I would recommend for first time gardeners. Growing these sure fire crops this year will give you the confidence to try other crops in the future years.

Squash

Squash is usually divided into two categories, summer squash which is harvested in the summer and winter squash which is harvested in the fall. This post will focus on the winter variety. Winter squash is another great addition to the garden. Winter squash is a type of vegetable that thrives in warm weather and can be cultivated in various regions of the country. It distinguishes itself from summer squash by being picked in fall and consumed in the fall when the fruit reaches full maturity, with fully developed seeds and a tough, hardened rind. Once ripened, they can typically be stored and enjoyed throughout the winter season. Let’s explore three of the common winter squash varieties, as there are several types that fall under this category.

Spaghetti Squash

Spaghetti squash has a distinct texture that resembles as its name states, spaghetti, when cooked. It offers a mild, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with various sauces and seasonings. This is one of my favorites! Spaghetti squash can be roasted, steamed, boiled, or even microwaved. Once cooked, you can scrape out the flesh with a fork, resulting in spaghetti-like strands. Spaghetti squash can be a good, nutritious substitute for pasta, it offers a low-carb, low-calorie alternative. It boasts an abundance of health benefits, including its rich fiber content. Spaghetti squash is valuable source of vitamins B3, B5 and B6; all of which play a role in not only converting food to usable energy, but they are needed as helpers to kickstart reactions throughout your body. Add this delicious squash to your plate to add variety and vegetables to your meals!

Spaghetti squash is easy to grow, but it is a tender vegetable. The seeds do not germinate in cold soil, and the seedlings will be injured by frost. Wait until all danger of frost has passed before directly sowing the seeds one inch deep into the ground. Spaghetti squash is vining type of squash that needs some room to grow. Keep plants well-watered, especially during the heat of summer. It’s important to allow the squash to fully ripen on the vine. Winter squash will not ripen once cut from the plant. Most spaghetti squash will be ready to harvest about 100 days after sprouting. The squash should be a rich golden yellow color when it’s ripe. If the fruits are still pale yellow or a green color, it’s not quite ready.

When stored in a cool, dry place, spaghetti squash has a long shelf life. This means you can enjoy the fruits of your labor throughout the winter.  

Butternut Squash

Butternut squash has a sweet, nutty flavor that is highly enjoyable. It is often used in a variety of dishes, including soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and as side dish. Its rich taste adds warmth to meals. Butternut squash is versatile in the kitchen and can be used in various recipes. It can be roasted, pureed, or even spiralized to make vegetable noodles. Just one cup of this wonderful squash provides you with a good source of vitamins A, B1, B3, B5, B6, folate and minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron. As if that is not enough benefits for you, is also an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is important for maintaining a healthy digestive tract.

Butternut squash is a relatively easy vegetable to grow, making it suitable for beginner gardeners. It requires full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering. Plant seeds 1 inch deep after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 60 degrees. The season can be long, 110-120 days, if your season is short, start indoors a month before last frost. Your squash will be ready for harvesting when the skin turns hard and is difficult to pierce with your thumbnail.

Once harvested, butternut squash has a long shelf life when stored in a cool, dry place. This allows for extended enjoyment of your homegrown produce throughout the winter months when fresh vegetables may be less abundant.

Acorn Squash

Acorn squash has a sweet, slightly nutty flavor that is highly enjoyable. It can be prepared in numerous ways, including roasting, baking, steaming, or even stuffing. Its natural sweetness adds a delightful taste to both savory and sweet dishes. Acorn squash can be used in a variety of recipes, it can be stuffed with variety of fillings, used in soups, added to salads, or mashed as a side dish. Acorn squash is versatile and nutritious! Just one cup provides an excellent source of dietary fiber as well as vitamins B1 and C. One cup also provides a good source of minerals such as iron, potassium and magnesium.

Acorn squash is relatively small in size, making it ideal for home gardens with limited space. It can easily be grown in containers or small garden plots. Acorn squash is also a vining plant, that can be trained to grow vertically on a trellis. Plant seeds 1 inch deep after danger of frost has passed. Plant in full sun, but acorn squash can tolerate some shade. Keep well-watered. You can expect to start harvesting your acorn squash around 80-100 days from sprouting. The optimal time for harvest is when the nighttime temperatures begin to approach freezing, and the foliage and vines start to wither. To harvest, carefully cut the squash from the vine.

Acorn squash will last up to a month in a cool dark place, but only about two weeks in the refrigerator. Ideally, only cut or cooked acorn squash should be refrigerated. If you have the room, adding winter squash to your garden is an excellent way to extend enjoyment of your homegrown produce throughout the winter months when fresh vegetables may be less abundant.