Allotments 4 All

Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: beanie3 on September 26, 2010, 18:29:27

Title: squashes - where to store....
Post by: beanie3 on September 26, 2010, 18:29:27
I have asked before how and when but i am getting increasingly confused where i can store.  Can i store them in the same place as the spuds or will it be too cold?  Where do you store yours?

Thanks and sorry for the zillion of questions
Title: Re: squashes - where to store....
Post by: shirlton on September 26, 2010, 18:44:59
We are fortunate enough to have 2 spare rooms so we keep them on the windowsills. I did know someone on here that used to keep them on the side of the stairs.
Title: Re: squashes - where to store....
Post by: realfood on September 26, 2010, 18:51:14
I store my squash in an unheated back bedroom. Pumpkins and winter squash are very chilling sensitive when stored below 10°C (50°F). Depending on the cultivar a storage life of 2 to 6 months can be expected at 12.5-15°C (55-59°F).
There is professional advice from Tozer seeds, who are UK breeders of squashes, here :- http://www.tozerseeds.com/butternut-squash/production/-/
Title: Re: squashes - where to store....
Post by: tomatoada on September 26, 2010, 18:56:52
Glad you asked this beanie3.  Just wondering where to keep mine.    Like the stairs answer.   Reminds me of the Ikea ad.  about making the best use of space.
Title: Re: squashes - where to store....
Post by: manicscousers on September 26, 2010, 19:14:05
we hang ours in the garage from the roof in onion sacks, never lost one, even last year when it was freezing in there  :)
Title: Re: squashes - where to store....
Post by: GrannieAnnie on September 26, 2010, 20:30:40

(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y253/nonrancher/300lbssquash.jpg)
Title: Re: squashes - where to store....
Post by: Duke Ellington on September 26, 2010, 20:34:30
Is it only me? ...I cant see your photo Grannieannie :(

Duke
Title: Re: squashes - where to store....
Post by: tricia on September 26, 2010, 23:03:54
How do you hang them all up GA? They look like they are on sky hooks  ;D ;D. You must have a huge family to be able to use so many  ;D.

I keep mine on shelves in my porch, but I only have 10 in all. (More than enough for my one person household.)

Tricia
Title: Re: squashes - where to store....
Post by: macmac on September 26, 2010, 23:57:33
Food for thought -sorry to pun but it was a conversation me and the OH had this evening .I think the garage idea gets the thumbs up  :)
Title: Re: squashes - where to store....
Post by: GrannieAnnie on September 27, 2010, 03:40:33
I drill a hole in the stem and put a wire loop thru after washing them in bleach.
We have been and will be giving lots away- don't think Mr.GrannieAnnie could tolerate eating it every day ;D
Title: Re: squashes - where to store....
Post by: GodfreyRob on September 27, 2010, 09:00:32
I make sure mine are ripened in the convervatory for a month or two and then store them anywhere dry and cool - but avoiding frost. 

I have a veg spaghetti that is still in good condition in the pantry that was picked September 2009!
Title: Re: squashes - where to store....
Post by: beanie3 on September 27, 2010, 15:56:49
loving the photo grannieannie - thanks to everyone for the advice.
Title: Re: squashes - where to store....
Post by: chriscross1966 on September 27, 2010, 16:32:32
I've still got some Winter Festival from last year too... though they will be used up in the next couple of weeks making up sauce/gravy base weith the last of the courgettes, the last few Kg of cooking tomatoes, the less good green and red peppers and any onions that don't look lie they'll store well (sprouting, a bit soft etc), That will allow this years crop some time to mature.... ATM they get a couple of weeks in the kitchen to harden off a bit then they'll go in the spare bedroom I expect.... The more I grow them the more I think Winter Festival are the best squash for me, though potimarron has a chance of breakign in there this year, as does som etiny pumkin thing I've got on the plot.... I think it's Hooligan... if they come out well then they're a perfect size for the single man...


I would thoroughly recommend Amy Goldman's book "The Compleat Squash" (yes it is spelt Compleat) for anyone interested. There's growing tips from someone who isn't in a particularly good are for growing them, a lot of interesting recipes and the photography is pure cucurbit porn.... I picked up my copy on ebay, though you will find it on Amazon etc....

chrisc