Squash plants are perennials in their native tropical environments, but most gardeners grow them as annuals because they can’t survive frost. If you’ve ever wondered whether squash plants are perennials after watching your vines die back in winter, you’re not alone. The truth is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or … Read more
Squash plants are somewhat deer resistant, but “somewhat” is doing a lot of heavy lifting in that sentence. Deer will usually avoid squash plants because the leaves and stems are covered in fuzzy hairs and prickly textures that make them unpleasant to chew. But if you’ve been asking yourself “are squash plants deer … Read more
Are Squash Nightshade Vegetables? Squash are not nightshade vegetables, and that’s the simple truth you can take to the kitchen. These two plant families are completely different, which means your favorite summer and winter squash have nothing to do with nightshades like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. If you’ve ever wondered are squash nightshade … Read more
Squash is high in potassium, making it a fantastic addition to your diet if you’re looking to boost your intake of this essential mineral. In fact, many varieties of squash pack a serious potassium punch, often rivaling or even surpassing better-known sources like bananas. If you’ve ever wondered whether squash is high in … Read more
Squash leaves are safe for chickens. In fact, they’re one of those garden extras you can toss into the coop without worrying about toxicity. If you’ve been asking yourself whether squash leaves are safe for chickens, the short answer is yes, and your flock will probably thank you for them. These leafy … Read more
Squash is generally low to moderate in oxalates, and that’s good news if you’re watching your intake. Most types of squash contain far less oxalate than notorious high-oxalate foods like spinach, beet greens, or rhubarb. So if you’ve been asking, “are squash high in oxalates?” the short answer is no for most varieties. … Read more