tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360245996246114651.post7401256868079247323..comments2023-08-16T07:24:41.416-07:00Comments on My High Desert Homestead: New ThingsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18410862536697899650noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360245996246114651.post-44880949255060333252013-06-14T21:25:59.649-07:002013-06-14T21:25:59.649-07:00This is an awesome question! Having such a small g...This is an awesome question! Having such a small garden with so many different varieties means that cross-pollination is inevitable. However, all is not lost. The outcome of this years cross-pollination will not be apparent in this years harvest, but in the seeds of the fruit/veg. harvested. It makes seed saving pretty much a shot in the dark as far as what might sprout from those seeds come next spring!<br /><br />I'm sorry you have had squash that taste like dirt...that outcome would make it hard to want to attempt it again in my book. For the last two years though, I've planted 4 or more varieties in close proximity and haven't had a problem...other than them setting blossoms! So if you're willing, try it again! I have had pretty good luck with the hubbard, sweet meat, and spaghetti squash varieties. <br /><br />Thanks for the info about the zucchini too! Hopefully by moving them, I can lure bees from another part of my garden. Otherwise, I'll head out with swab in hand and pollinate myself :)I'm praying the bees will return and take care of your garden so you don't have to!<br /><br />Thanks so much for reading and sharing! <br /> Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18410862536697899650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-360245996246114651.post-37298218358421265622013-06-13T07:34:37.213-07:002013-06-13T07:34:37.213-07:00Question and a thought: How do you grow so many v...Question and a thought: How do you grow so many varieties of squash all together without them cross-pollinating? (If I grow more than one, they all come out similarly shaped and tasting like dirt!) And as for your zucchini problems, that sounds like a pollination issue, as well. Many pollinators that specialize in squash will avoid a summer squash in favor of a winter variety. (Strange but true.) Carry a male flower to the female and "engage" them, or use a cotton swab to carry the pollen. Works like a champ! Looks as if I'll be doing this for everything this year, because all of the bees we had in April were frozen out in the May hard freezes! :( <br /><br />Blessings, and thanks for sharing your joys and challenges. Lynne Bothahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16107090941701996125noreply@blogger.com