Marah macrocarpa is a member of the manroot family native to a relatively small region covering southern California and Baja California. While other species of Marah exist outside this range, macrocarpa is adapted to drier climates in which a large tuber lies dormant until seasonal rainfall triggers the rapid growth of sprawling vines. Like other members of Curcubitaceae it is monoecious (male and female flowers occur separately on the same plant) and once pollinated the base of the female flower swells into the fruit. The fruit is covered in spines which when dry are actually quite vicious. This specimen demonstrates a degree of the natural variability within the species, showing almost absurdly pronounced spines.

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All the precious warm weather squash starts have come up! I prefer to start all squash from seed with a sowing date in April. They are very sensitive to cold weather, and transplant shock. Because of this, I like to start later and set out in the garden when our nights are finally warm, and I make sure they don’t get root bound in their pots. Did you know steaming and eating pumpkin and other squash greens is really popular in some circles? They are unpalatable raw because of little spines on the leaves, and are naturally deer resistant. So a great garden food friend for when you have limited area within a fence. Another fringe benefit is their low watering needs when spaced right. They are also good at rooting wide and this not needing too much water (if you keep the hills weeded and at least 5’ apart in rows 4’ apart for summer squash and 8’ apart for winter squash). These spacing suggestions and awesome images are provided by Steve Solomon in one of the books shown here. First is an overhead view, and the second showing terminal roots (connected to the main stem). These books are highly recommended resources for their planting dates, spacing tables and cultivation info. I love how he explains the science behind root system growth, nitration uptake and pest management. #tryit #curcubit #tips #growyourown #educate #readbooks #spacingmatters #growingvegetableswestofthecascades #gardenbible #victorygardens #sharingmeanscaring #gardenparty #teatime https://www.instagram.com/p/CAIviPhJdwN/?igshid=1ibp6onp0hq95