Pumpkin 'Delicata Mini Sweet' (Organic)
Dating back to 1894, this mini-version of the original heirloom is actually a summer squash, but is most commonly grouped with pumpkins because of its dense flesh and full flavour. What 'Delicata Mini Sweet' lacks in storage, it more than makes up for in flavour. The thin skin is easy to peel, while the flesh has a lovely complex, yet sweet flavour that's enough to rival any butternut. Best consumed within 2-3 months from harvest, use as you would sweet potato.
Pumpkins are the easiest of the curcubits to grow, they are big feeders, so dig in plenty of well rotted manure where they are to grow. They germinate easily in warm soil, gardeners in cooler areas can start their seedlings in pots in a warm spot and plant out after risk of frost has passed. Pumpkins need plenty of water as they grow, mulch well to conserve moisture and eliminate weeds. Harvest pumpkins when the stalk attaching it to the vine turns woody and corky. Cut (not tear) the stalk from the plant. Never lift the pumpkin by this 'handle' as if it breaks off the pumpkin will go mouldy within days.