[bigben]

I have grown a few types of squash and pumpkins this year for the first time. I have a variety of sizes, when do I take them in? A friend suggested when the foliage dies back but I was worried that this risks them being exposed to too much cold. Some are already a decent size - I am not after any more bulk but dont want to take them in if they are still unripe.

[starry]

I have brought home my rather large pumkin which is almost ripe and my neighbour was busy picking butternut  squashes that wer not yet ripe but a good size and he said he would leave them to ripen at home so I guess you can put them somewhere sunny and let them ripen like tomatoes. 

[JohnB47]

I'm wondering about this too.

I have some good sized Crown Prince and one or two fairly good Butternuts that look ready to cut. Just not certain when to do it. Probably round about now - the foliage on the Crown Princes is certainly starting to fade now.

[PennyS]

That's funny, I logged on to ask the very same question.

I think I will cut mine this week.  According to Metcheck there is a slim chance of frost here on Friday (eek, what happened to summer?!).

I've no conservatory or suitable place to finish ripening them off, wonder if my parents will let them "lodge" in their conservatory  ).

[mumofstig]

Because of the dodgy weather i brought the last of mine in today, a bit early but I didn't want to lose them

[MoreWhisky]

Most of mine are still out , does the frost harm them then?

[Fisherman]

Frost does harm them but I guess it would need to be more than a touch of ground frost to damage the fruit due to their thick skin. It would kill foliage though so therefore the fruit are better brought in before the risk of any frost.

[bigben]

Thanks for the info guys - will lift them for the weekend.