Green Blog
21 September 2011
Harvesting and storing pumpkins and squash
As cliff hangers go, it was hardly 'Eastenders'. But in May I wrote about growing pumpkins and squash, promising more at harvest time - so here goes.
Harvesting pumpkins and squash for winter storage is a juggling act.
You want to ripen them and their skins to harden - and you can do this by leaving them on the plant for as long as possible.
At the same time they can't be exposed to frost, and if sat in the wet too long, they'll rot.
You can help things along by removing leaves to expose the fruits to sunshine.
But with the dodgy weather we've been having recently, I'd stop taking risks and get them in asap.
When you do harvest (check out some of my Crown Prince crop, pictured) try to leave a long stem on the fruits. This helps delay rotting.
As does curing, to guarantee that fully-hardened skin.
Do this by putting the fruits somewhere dry and in sunshine for around 10 days - a porch say, or a shed with a window.
Then store them somewhere airy and cool yet frost free.
Do this and you could be enjoying your harvest well into spring.
Dominic Murphy, Publishing & New Media Team
Dominic Murphy's book 'The Playground Potting Shed' includes an easy guide to growing food throughout the year. To order a signed copy at the special price of £6.99, please visit our Shop
© Dominic Murphy
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