September is such an exciting month in the garden , peculiarly when it comes to harvest home pumpkins and squash ! There ’s nothing quite like seeing those vivacious orange pumpkins and colorful squash peeking out from beneath their leafy vine . But get laid when and how to glean them properly can make all the deviation in how long they ’ll last and how flavorful they ’ll be . If you ’ve been wondering how to make the most of your fall harvest time , you ’re in the correct position !
I experience how frustrative it can be to piece a pumpkin too early or to chance that your squash rackets has run short soft in storage . That ’s why I ’m so passionate about develop it right ! By direct a few uncomplicated gradation , you’re able to enjoy your harvest home well into the winter months . get ’s dive into the best practice for harvesting and storing your pumpkins and squash so you may savor the fruits of your proletariat for as long as possible !
Know When to Harvest
Timing is everything when it comes to harvest pumpkin and squash ! To know when they ’re quick to be pick , look for visual cues like colour and grain . pumpkin vine should have a deep , rich colour — whether that ’s orange , white , or another hue , depending on the sort — and a hard , rugged peel that ca n’t be easy pierce by your fingernail . For squash , the skin should also be firm and shining , without any soft spots or blemishes . If you ’re in doubt , try bid a thumbnail gently against the rind ; if it jib puncture , it ’s ready !
It ’s also important to check the vines . When the leaves take up to turn brown and die back , it ’s a mansion that the fruits are age and should be harvest shortly . Do n’t wait too long , though ! If hoarfrost is in the forecast , check that to harvest your pumpkin and squelch beforehand , as frost can damage their skin and shorten their storage life . I always feel a fiddling thrill when I find that utter minute to harvest — it ’s like striking gold in the garden !
Use the Right Tools
When it ’s time to harvest , having the correct tools on hand makes the caper easier and safer for both you and your plants . utilise a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the fruit from the vine , leave a few inches of stem tie . The stem turn acts like a instinctive stamp , preventing rot and put out the shelf life of your pumpkin and crush . Be easy with your cuts ; you do n’t want to damage the fruit or the vine . I ’ve learned this the hard way — a clean cut really does make all the difference !
And do n’t block to break gloves if you ’re handling peculiarly thorny vines ! Some squash variety show , like courgette , can have spiky stems that are no fun to lot with . By being prepare with the right dick , you ’ll make the harvest appendage smoother and more pleasurable . Plus , there ’s something so satisfying about cutting that perfect autumn pumpkin off the vine and knowing it ’s quick for the months ahead .
Cure Them for Longer Storage
Curing is a crucial footprint that can significantly extend the computer storage life of your pumpkins and squash . After harvesting , depart them out in a warm , cheery spot for about 7 to 14 days . This helps harden their peel and mend any little cuts or bruise , create a natural barrier against mold and decline . If the weather is showery or you ’re expecting a frost , cure them indoors in a warm , well - give vent area like a greenhouse or service department .
Curing also improve the flavor of your squash vine and pumpkins , make them odoriferous and more delicious ! It ’s a bit like letting them mature to paragon . I always find it so satisfying to bring around my harvesting — it feels like giving them a terminal morsel of love before they head up to store . And consider me , it ’s deserving the wait ; your pumpkins and mash will give thanks you by last well into the winter months !
Store Them Properly
Once your pumpkins and crush are cured , it ’s time to discover the arrant computer storage spot . pick out a nerveless , teetotal , and dark place with good melodic line circulation , like a basement , cellar , or larder . Ideally , the temperature should be between 50 - 60 ° F ( 10 - 15 ° 100 ) . Too lovesome , and they ’ll depart to rot ; too frigid , and they might suspend or develop shuddery injury , which make them to spoil faster . I always verify to check my storehouse domain on a regular basis to assure it ’s maintaining the right weather condition .
Keep your pumpkins and squash off the floor by placing them on wooden slat or shelves . This prevents moisture buildup and let atmosphere to go around around the fruit , reducing the risk of rot . And essay not to let them touch each other — a little space between each one avail foreclose any mold from spreading . I like to run along mine up neatly and admire my beautiful crop , knowing they ’re tucked away safely for the months ahead !
Monitor for Signs of Spoilage
Even with the best storage practices , it ’s crucial to keep an oculus on your pumpkin vine and squash for signs of spoilage . Check them every week or so for any soft spot , mold , or wither . If you comment any issue , take away the affected yield immediately to preclude it from bollix up the residuum of your harvest . I ’ve check that a little vigilance goes a long way in keeping my stored green groceries in top condition .
While it might sense wearisome , I promise it ’s worth it ! It ’s such a bummer to ascertain a decayed pumpkin that ’s ruined the whole peck . Regularly checking and rotating your squash and pumpkins ensures you ’ll be able to enjoy them for months to come . Plus , it ’s always a joy to reach into storage and pull out a unadulterated , unmutilated fruit when you ’re quick to cook up a fall front-runner !
Use Them Up Creatively
Do n’t just let your pumpkins and squelch sit in storage — get creative and revel them in all kinds of pleasant-tasting ways ! From soups and stews to roasted veggie and Proto-Indo European , there are multitudinous formula that highlight their unique flavors . I love experimenting with unlike dishes , like spicy squash curry or savory pumpkin bread . There ’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown green goods , specially when you ’ve put in all the voiceless work yourself !
And remember , these stunner are n’t just for eating ! Pumpkins make wonderful spill ornamentation , whether you ’re carving jack - o’-lanterns for Halloween or create a rustic centrepiece for your Thanksgiving table . Squash can also be used in crafting — think of painting or decorating them for a playfulness , seasonal task . However you apply them , make the most of your harvest and celebrate the fruits of your labor !
Save Seeds for Next Season
Why not think ahead to next year while you ’re savour this year ’s harvest ? save seed from your pumpkin vine and squash is a tremendous way to keep your favorite diversity develop in your garden . Choose the healthy , most vibrant fruits for seed preservation , and scoop out the seeds , rinse off them well to remove any flesh . Then , lie them out to dry out on a paper towel in a cool , dark piazza for about a calendar week .
Once juiceless , store the come in a paper envelope or airtight container , labeled with the variety and date . Keep them in a coolheaded , wry spot until spring , when you ’re quick to institute . I love knowing that I ’m continuing the cycle , maturate plant from seed I ’ve saved myself . It ’s such a rewarding tactual sensation , and it connects you even more deeply to your garden !
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credit: unsplash
Credit: Unsplash
Credit: Shutterstock
credit: unsplash
Credit: Unsplash
