Winter Squash Storage

[Gary.J.Kelsey]

Hello All

I have got about 32 Pumpkins (Jack O’Latern) and 36 Vegetable Spaghetti Squahes, of various sizes, Plan was to harvest them next weekend (10/11th), storage them inside in warm for 2 weeks to cure further. After this, would it be okay store them in the outhouse, or do they need to stay in the warm?

Many Thanks
Gary

[charles]

Gary I worry that those are not winter squashes so will not store as long as Kuri, Butternut, Kabocha etc. However you are thinking along the right lines, keep them warm & dry until skin is hard, stalk dry, then store dry so in the house somewhere is better than a shed.

[Gary.J.Kelsey]

Thanks for your speedy response. Okay, will keep them in the house. I have re-read the section in your book, and it does seem that spaghetti squash are in the summer squash section, but the pumpkins are in winter section, so thought they would last a while? If not will have to try some different varieties next year.

Thanks

[charles]

Its unfortunate that confusion arises because the word pumpkin is often used for all winter squash. Yes they ripen in autumn, but pumpkins store for less time than true winter squash, because true pumpkins grow large by amassing water, whereas true squash have denser, less watery flesh which stores better. Meaning they look smaller and to the unknowing eye, are less impressive in size.

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