[ytyynycefn]

Well, the cooking fourum has given my some good ideas for what to do with my sqaushes, but can anyone tell me when I pick them?  Assuming courgettes and marrows are self explanatory (ie when they're the right size), do I pick winter squash when they are big enough?  

I've got a selection - turk's turban, rolet, table queen, butternut etc.  There's some pale bluey ones that are about 5" across - might they be ready to pick, as they are not green any more?

Also, do marrows go a bit funny if left to get too big?  I've got a two footer that seems to be visibly growing - it's for jam, so I need 6lb of the stuff!

Any advice would be much appreciated...

Mel

[shirazcat]

Hello,
          Pumpkins can be left on the ground until you have a risk of frost, I prefer to remove them once the foliage has died down, this usually happens during September. Once removed from the vine (leaving a piece of stalk attatched) they should be cured by drying in the sun(if possible) for 10 days.
 This year mine & other plot holders have died down allready so I have taken mine off & they are curing now, as we are having a good bit of sunshine right now I think they will be fine. Before putting away in a cool, dry frost free garage I will wipe each one with a cloth soaked in a mild disinfectant, this helps keep moulds at bay.
                                         Adrian.