Winter Squash Harvesting

[Littlefox2000]

Hi everyone,

So...I already know I've done this wrong, but...I've started cutting some of my winter squash. I planted out a few varieties, including winter Hubbard, a mixed lots of seeds and some spaghetti squash. And they've done really well. The reason I've started to cut some of them is that they were simply getting too big. I've cut them with quite long stalks and am leaving them in a warm spot to try to 'cure' them. I've got quite a few more coming on the plants that weren't too big, so I'll leave them to it in the conventional way. The ones I have cut are obviously a nice size with hard dry skins.

I guess my question would be if anyone else is or has cut theirs early? Any hints or tips with doing this? I'm hoping to be able to keep them for a while before using them, as I'm still dealing with the gluts of courgette, marrow and patty pan...so any hints with storing them for 6-8 weeks?

Thanks in advance,

LF

[Fleurisa]

The RHS website recommends leaving them on the plant until the skins have hardened, which is when you can no longer make a mark with your finger nail. I'd just keep them somewhere warm while they harden (if they do) and then just keep checking them in case they start to rot. Just make a huge batch of curry or chili with them and freeze portions

[ButternutSquash]

My understanding is that hubbard squashes are a different species from butternuts tc, and they are earlier, so you might be okay with them. I must admit some of my butternuts look fully formed, but I am leaving them on the plant as long as I can. I think the nice warm summer (long gone now it seems) helped them along nicely.

[Littlefox2000]

Thanks everyone. What I've harvested so far are 5 winter hubbards and one sweet dumpling. They all have really hard skins. So hopefully I'm okay. I'll probably use the sweet dumpling very soon and leave the others.

[Dorothy rouse]

That's just reminded me my first lot of Sweet Dumpling didn't germinate, so tried again, and they went in very late, and not fruited yet, the bush is healthy looking, but probably too late now I guess to form fruit? Haven't grown them before, and maybe not successful this year.

[sparrow100]

It's still only August - you might get something if the frosts are late this year. Though that seems unlikely at the minute!

[dim]

I've been eating mine as soon as I pick them ... I never bothered to cure them and they taste fine

[Alison]

I've been eating mine as soon as I pick them ... I never bothered to cure them and they taste fine

You only need to cure them to store them. I like to eat mine gradually over the winter and usually still have a couple left come February-ish

[Shadylane]

You only need to cure them to store them. I like to eat mine gradually over the winter and usually still have a couple left come February-ish

Same here. There's too much other stuff to eat in the summer. I prefer to save them for the winter when there's not as much variety.