Squash

Logan and I planted a little vegetable garden in the spring. I have not inherited my Grandma Doris' green thumb so this was not only uncharacteristic but a true experiment. The previous owners had a small raised bed in the backyard in which they left zinnias and carrots. I'm sure there were other crops that simply died out. I jumped whole-heartedly into the project without doing my homework...as is my style. The bed is probably 3x6 and I planted the following: watermelon, pumpkin, zucchini, yellow squash, red lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, and bell peppers. Many of the plants were bought as little plants but many others were started as seeds in a little plastic greenhouse that I stored in the pantry. Trey has consistently made fun of my "farming" abilities and my precious crops. Logan hasn't had much interest after the initial planting...until recently.

While the spinach and watermelon have not done well, the yellow squash has taken over. I counted 45 blossoms a week ago and discovered more big yellow blossoms this morning. I like squash and know of a couple squash recipes but had hoped for more variety in our homegrown produce!

Logan has begun to pick the big squash when playing outside. I was initially excited by his interest but quickly learned that he doesn't see the squash as food but as a toy. Our squash have been colored on, thrown as a ball, floated in our little fountain, used as pretend musical instruments, wrapped in blankets and put "night-night", and used as a phone to call various family members. Logan and I even used the squash as models for still life drawings! Needless to say, Trey and I have given up wrestling Logan's precious treasures away from him and are laughing at what the imagination can do with a squash.

The bell peppers appear to have buds on them and we have a few very tiny tomatoes. It will be exciting to see how these veggies will be incorporated into our play!