This discussion has been closed.
Posted by zzdeeze1 (U13966700) on Wednesday, 12th January 2011
my winter butternut squash have gone rotten. they were wrapped in newspaper and put out in the garage. how do you store them please?
Normally they should have been fine, but the very low temperatures in December probably got to them (it fell to -15C here) if the garage is unheated. Butternut and other 'Winter' squash won't keep if they get any degree of frost. They must also be harvested before the first frost or they will be damaged even by a mild ground frost and might look ok, but they usually won't keep for long.
HTH -- Bob
Storage of Winter Squash is best in a cool, dry and FROST FREE place. Do not store alongside apples or pears, as the ethylene gas given off by them can cause the squash to start to rot. Remember to check your stored squash every week and cook any that are showing signs of rot. While in storage, the grey, green and blue skin colour can fade to allow an orange colour to shine through.
As the others have stated, most likely the cold. I lost several pumpkins and squash in my garage too. The shallots and onions were not too happy either, although I think the moisture in the air did for them.
This year I'll hedge my bets and make up a load of puree to freeze.
Many thanks to all. I think I'll have to put them on top of the wardrobe next year !!!!!
Slice them, roast them and freeze them at the first signs of rotting.
Welcome to the new Gardening Board. If this is your first time, then make sure you check out the
or  to take part in a discussion.
The message board is currently closed for posting.
Weekdays 09:00-00:00
Weekends 10:00-00:00
This messageboard is .
Find out more about this board's
Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú © 2014 The Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.