How long do you cure your winter squash for?

[emarisa28]

Hi,
I am curing my winter squash and wondering when i should bring it in. I have
Uchiki Kuri
Honeybear
Green Hokkaido

And am based in London. Last year i left it until Nov and i think it left it too long as some went soft possibly due to the drop in temperature. As it has got a bit cold now i am wondering if other London people still have theirs out?
Thanks!

[Thelma Sanders]

Not in London but SE corner - mine are in the greenhouse so still getting any sun/warmth available but they are safe from any surprise frosts.
With the weather forecasts not predicting any change to warm/dry weather in the next few weeks, I'm sure they would be better off indoors than out in the cool and damp!

[emarisa28]

So maybe i should bring them in this week? I could always leave some on my window sills i guess?

[Mr Bones]

So maybe i should bring them in this week? I could always leave some on my window sills i guess?

They store better at room temp Emarisa. Out in the (semi-integral) garage or shed our squash develop white patches of mould and then rot but inside (spare bedroom, kitchen, living room) they last for ages.

[Thelma Sanders]

They store better at room temp Emarisa. Out in the (semi-integral) garage or shed our squash develop white patches of mould and then rot but inside (spare bedroom, kitchen, living room) they last for ages.

I agree, I just like them to ripen in the greenhouse until the rind hardens and the bits underneath, that were still pale coloured have changed colour, before I bring them indoors. They are nearly there

[no_akira]

I store mine in the ambient temperature of the larder cupboard in the kitchen. Right the way through till February.

Strange how if you scratch a squash it heals itself and forms a scab over the scratch even though its now detached from its plant. "Its Alive!"