how to cure and store winter squash?

Answer 1

Advice from Oregon State University Extension Service:
Bring winter squashes and pumpkins in well before the first cold snap. Since most squashes and pumpkins are warm season crops, they are susceptible to low temperature injury at less than 50 degrees. Squashes and pumpkins left out in the garden may become cold-injured and will decay prematurely in storage. Once the weather gets below about 50 degrees for more than a week, or there is an extended period of rain, pumpkins and squash should be brought in for storage.

Cure squashes and pumpkins after harvesting them by holding them at warm, dry temperatures for a few days until any abrasions or cuts from harvesting heal up.

Store most winter squashes and pumpkins in areas as close to 50 degrees, and between 70 and 80 percent humidity, as possible for best results. Good air circulation in the storage area is also helpful. Do not store pumpkins and squash in layers. Avoid storing them near the ground or floor where the humidity is highest. A layer of straw helps keep them dry.

Avoid storing them on paper or in paper or plastic bags, as bags tend to hold in too much moisture. An attic or high garage shelf, if kept above 50 degrees, may work well.
http://www.ourcreswell.com/article.asp?id=5595

Chart of the storage life of types of squash:
http://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/html/fs/fs230/

P.S. Do not cure acorn squash. The high temperature and relative humidity during the curing process actually reduce the quality and storage life of acorn squash. http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/2001/9-14-2001/squash.html

Good Luck! Hope this is helpful.

Answer 2

ANGEL is right, but incomplete. I have stored acorn, butternut and Hubbard squash for 5-7 months in my cold cellar. When you pick the squash leave an inch of stem. Dip the stem, and the top of the squash into parafin 3-4 times. When dry, store as Angel said.

Answer 3

simply
cool
dry
ventilated
not touching each other
remove any diseased damaged as you find them