Topic: Butternut squashs

[Sparky.p]

Hi all

This is the first year I have tried to grow these and they seem to have taken over my allotment. How do you know when butternuts are ready to pick and what is the best method of storage?

Thanks Sparky

[sandersj89]

The skins will loose their glossyness and "set" and you can then cut them from the vine.

To cut them cut both sides of the stem on the vine so you have a "T" piece of stem attached, place them in a light/cool/dry spot for the skin to fuly set and they will then store for months.

Jerry

[tabbycat]

Thanks for asking this Sparky.p.... i was wondering when to pick mine. :)

Jerry, do the stripes have to have gone before you pick them? Some of mine are yellow but you can still see the stripes.

Cheers,

Tabby

[sandersj89]

No not really.

If there weather is set fair I tend to leave them as long as possible though, even until the vine starts to wither away.

I also pop the fruit on top of a brick or similar to get it off the wet ground.

Jerry

[tabbycat]

Thanks Jerry.... I will try the brick thing too  :)

[Sparky.p]

Hi all

Thanks for the replies but now I have brown spots appearing on them and on one the spots seem to be enlarging by the hour.

Will it be any good or is it for the compost heap

Sparky.p