Harvesting Miniature Pumpkin Seeds
Way back in September I bought three of these miniature pumpkins. I think they are called Jack Be Little. I have an unnatural affection for these tiny pumpkins - I put it down to my childhood in the States. Halloween, hay rides, and pumpkins were a big deal in my youth.
Every autumn I promise myself that I will plant my own diminutive pumpkin patch but so far it hasn't happened. I forget until it is too late in the season or I can't find the appropriate pumpkin seeds. Believe me, I have tried. Last spring Andy and I went to every garden centre within a 50 mile radius of our house. Not a Jack Be Little seed one did we find.
Then it suddenly struck me.... I've already got next year's seeds safely contained in these little pumpkins. All I had to do was hack them in a half and scoop out the seeds. This is harder than it sounds. Even after all this time my little pumpkins are just about perfect. It seems Jack Be Little is a good keeper.
I didn't have the heart to hack all of the little pumpkins in half but I did manage to cut into one and found a generous collection of seeds. I will wash them and leave them somewhere warm to dry out. Stored in a paper envelop, there should be more than enough seeds to plant LOTS of tiny pumpkin patches.
As for the rest of the pumpkin, I've nuked it in the microwave. The flesh will make a lovely batch of muffins. Click HERE for a great muffin recipe. Simply substitute the cooked pumpkin for the cooked sweet potato in the recipe.
Every autumn I promise myself that I will plant my own diminutive pumpkin patch but so far it hasn't happened. I forget until it is too late in the season or I can't find the appropriate pumpkin seeds. Believe me, I have tried. Last spring Andy and I went to every garden centre within a 50 mile radius of our house. Not a Jack Be Little seed one did we find.
Then it suddenly struck me.... I've already got next year's seeds safely contained in these little pumpkins. All I had to do was hack them in a half and scoop out the seeds. This is harder than it sounds. Even after all this time my little pumpkins are just about perfect. It seems Jack Be Little is a good keeper.
I didn't have the heart to hack all of the little pumpkins in half but I did manage to cut into one and found a generous collection of seeds. I will wash them and leave them somewhere warm to dry out. Stored in a paper envelop, there should be more than enough seeds to plant LOTS of tiny pumpkin patches.
As for the rest of the pumpkin, I've nuked it in the microwave. The flesh will make a lovely batch of muffins. Click HERE for a great muffin recipe. Simply substitute the cooked pumpkin for the cooked sweet potato in the recipe.
Thank you for reminding me -I am thinking of doing the same with some of my butternut squash
ReplyDeleteI hope our saved seeds germinate!
DeleteGive me pumpkins over sweet potato any day of the week - the muffins sound yum. I grew pretty white flowers by experimentally planting some old onions, and I hope your pumpkins grow well!
ReplyDeleteI know that saved seeds don't always come true when planted so it will be interesting to see what happens.
DeleteWhat a great idea to grow these!!! I can't wait to see what happens! And so lovely to be back seeing your lovely creations! Hope you have a wonderful week! Nicole xo
ReplyDeleteGood to see you, too! I took a little break over the holidays. To be honest, I was too busy to blog. Hope you are having a great New Year!
Delete