Squash question

Sunnyday

This year i grew butternut squash for the first time, i planted them in a small space where the soil was quite poor and wasn`t really expecting much but i do have a couple of squash:j

My question is this - do i leave them to fully ripen on the plant or can i pick them and bring them indoors? They are not far off fully ripe but as we have had a slight frost already i`m a bit worried that they will get spoiled. They are a lovely tan colour but they do have a slight greenish tinge about them.

SD

Yorkie1

I would leave them outside until the next frost is forecast, then bring them under cover. Make sure you cut a decent bit of stem with them, rather than just severing them at the stem.

Sunnyday

Thanks, i`ve spent a few hours in the garden today and i`ve been picking whatever i can, was really unsure about the squash though so thanks again

SD

macma

Best left to ripen in situ however we have light fingered visitors on our lottie so have been harvesting early.
I followed Gardeners World advice and cut the main stem not the stalk,think of the letter T vertical being stalk horizontal being stem .the stem -main branch dries back and forms a seal allowing the squash to store .some of mine have been slightly green but are ripening up in the greenhouse.In past years I have just cut willy nilly and they have rotted

Sunnyday

Thanks Macma - will definitely do that, nice to know that they will be ok, can`t wait to taste them

SD