Squash

Thanks Kristen

 

Hello folks.

As it stands, I have 1 squash per plant, and looking doubtful that there will be any more. Looking ahead, I'm wondering when these should be harvested? Is it best to store them for a while before using?

 

Unless they are well developed (e.g. an early maturing variety) I would leave them on the plant until just before 1st frost, then cut them off with a generous T of the original stem (which also helps to carry them ) and then put them in the conservatory to further ripen for a week or so, and then they should store all winter if you need them to.

 

Thanks again Kristen

 

Some of the leaves on my plant are going a tad yellow on the edges, any idea what this is please? Plants seem happy however.

 

They do that as they go downhill into Autumn. I wouldn't worry about it - fruits are probably stealing/demanding elements from the rest of the plant

 

I think some of my acorn squash have scab, can I still eat them?

 

Any ideas? I wondering if I should harvest them now in case they get worse?

 

Harvested now anyway:

 

As much as this "T" looks like a handle and can be used as such..I would advise against it.

The idea of the "T" is that is the part (if any) that will rot/wither back so this bit extra stops that happening to the pumpkins/squashes stem..and risks ruining the fruit itself.

However, because of this wither/rot in the stem this "T" is not safe to use as a handle and can come away from the fruit quite easily, leaving you with a handle in hand and squashed squash on the floor...if you get my drift.

Steve...

 

Good point, I've only ever used it to carry them from plot to store ... but I reckon even that might be risky if the top part is very ripe