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Jamul

Never grown a cucurbit to ripeness before. There are about 50 really nice butternut squash turning tan in the garden. The plant has been healthy and is apparently following a normal trajectory. I wonder if I should quit watering now. We won't get any rainfall at all before what should be the appropriate harvest time a month.

Also we won't get frost for about 3 months after they are ripe. With that should I bring them in earlier than most people do relative to frost dates or just leve them out there? Leaving them out there sounds risky for sunburning or having varmints eat them.

Thanks.

8/12/2010 5:52:07 PM

Bethlehem CT

I usually wait until the plant starts to die back then I will go in and harvest. I will start the harvest a little earlier if they start getting eaten by the critters. Store them in a dry room or garage. I like 60 degrees or so. Some will start to rot early get those away from the other's.

8/12/2010 8:00:05 PM

Jamul

Thank you, That will help with the timing of it. It will be hard to attain 60 degrees around here except in middle of winter. I'll have to work on that one.

8/12/2010 11:20:12 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Periodically wipe them with a bleach and water solution. Make sure they do not sit on concrete. They last longer on the vine as long as it is cool dry and frost free.

8/13/2010 1:19:50 PM

Jamul

Do you think I should quit watering them even though we don't get rain? If not is there a point when I should stop? The plant is fading fast and only a few small squash on the perimeter are not turning ripe yet. Most are pretty far along.

8/14/2010 2:38:54 AM

Bethlehem CT

Yeah I would stop watering.

8/14/2010 9:25:36 AM

Jamul

Thanks to each of you for sticking with my questions.

8/14/2010 4:39:45 PM