By summer's end, gardeners may be trying to use up extra zucchinis. Carving a zucchini or two is a great way to utilize the garden's bounty.
Transforming zucchinis into cute porch and deck decorations is a good fall project before the weather turns colder. Children may particularly enjoy carving zucchinis. This creative endeavor can help them to a greater appreciation of garden plants and the value of using up or "recycling" surplus materials.
Carving zucchinis is also a kid-friendly undertaking because the outer skin of zucchini is soft, which makes it easier to cut into. It can be far safer to carve a zucchini, over tackling vegetables with tough outer shells, such as gourds or pumpkins.
Smaller and larger zucchinis can be carved depending on the planned project outcome. Smaller zucchinis are suited to becoming animals that naturally have oblong shapes (whales, centipedes), whereas larger zucchini make better subjects for faces. The centers can be hollowed out and a candle placed inside to light up the facial features.
Preparing Zucchinis for Carving
- Zucchinis should be washed to remove dirt and bugs, then patted dry before proceeding.
- A porch area or a table can be lined with papers to catch zucchini scraps, which can be moist.
- The hard stem may be removed from the zucchini, especially if the zucchini is large and the carver wants to remove the innards and place a candle inside.
- A portion of the top may be cut at a rakish angle if a cap is to be placed on the zucchini "head."
- The wider bottom part of the zucchini can be used as the hat.
- Free stencils can be accessed online and printed off, then used as templates to draw eyes, noses and mouths or to mark out other designs on zucchini.
- A pen that has gone dry makes an excellent tool to trace out stencil outlines. The pen can also be used to scrape off the green outer skin and remove flesh.
Carving a Zucchini
- An adult should carefully insert a paring knife and cut out drawn areas. Smaller children can use the pen or a melon baller to remove flesh from zucchini.
- A spoon can be used to remove innards from a larger zucchini
- A 1/2-1-inch-wide rim of flesh should be left intact so that zucchini sides do not collapse inward.
The carved zucchinis can be overlaid on straw, arranged in a grouping, or made to poke from a basket, displayed on a porch or deck or beside a door.
Carving zucchinis from the garden is an enjoyable fall project, one that sets the stage for the harvest period. "Ease-of-use" has made this a popular activity for both young and old alike.
Cautionary note: place a plate or board under zucchinis so that moisture doesn't leach into porch or deck wood.
Other Autumn Activities
Melody Rhodes - M. Rhodes is author of the Bedbug Books. She's been published in Canada, U.S. U.K. & NZ and has won awards for her poetry/prose.
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