Question
I recently harvested the first of my butternut squash for the season.  This is usually one of my favorite squashes, but this one tasted awful.  It had very little natural sweetness.  It was ripened on the vine to the ripe, tan color. Is there something in the growing that would cause this fruit to lose its usual sweet flavor?

Answer
April, the ph level of the soil can adversely affect the taste of certain vegetables. Normally, if the soil is too acidic (below 7.0), you need to add agricultural lime in early spring to sweeten the soil. Directions for how much per square yard are on the package. Most soils east of the Mississippi are acidic and do require liming every few years.

If you're not sure of your ph level, you can purchase a ph meter at most garden centers or online. They are relatively inexpensive and very accurate. Attached is a link to a site that sells this product:

http://www.planetnatural.com/site/ph-meter.html

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike