[Lottie Digger]

I know they don't like the frost and the forecast for later in the week is cold.....so do I pick them or can I cover them with fleece? If I do pick them can I keep them in my shed or are sacks in a garage better? This is my first try and they have been quite good :happy:

[BabbyAnn]

They can usually withstand a light frost which will kill the plants off but yes, it must be getting near to the time to harvest soon anyway    (rubs hands in anticipation)   When you pick, cut as much stalk from the plant as you can (about 6 inches of the vine either side) and then you will need to "cure" the skin so that it gets inpenetrably hard.  This will enable the butternut to store well for a long time.  Curing usually involves putting them somewhere dry and warm/sunlight for a couple of weeks (a lot of people use greenhouses, on top of shed roofs during the day if it is dry and sunny, or on south facing windowsills in the house) and don't forget to turn the fruits so that all the skin gets even drying.

Storing - somewhere dry and cool but frost free.  On racking might be better than in sacks so they don't sweat/get damp which increases the risk of mould.  Have to confess I usually put my winter squashes on trays just in case one doesn't survive storage - now and again, check over the stored fruit and remove any that feel soft and spongey or develops mould patches.

[sunshineband]

I store my squashes in the house, in the spare bedroom, as it gets too cold and damp for them in the garage or the shed.

They last for months

PS The room has the heating turned down a bit; it is not 18 deg 

[Lottie Digger]

Thank you everyone I have an unheated conservatory that sounds good for ripening.   Mmmm dont know if I'd be allowed to store them in the spare room Praps I can sneak them in