Last year I started a garden for the first time. Learned a lot! When I picked my squash last year it seemed fine, then I kept it on my counter for maybe a week before I noticed a small rotten spot on the underside. Eventually the rotten spot grew and I just composted the whole squash.
Not sure what went wrong. Was thinking -should I put hay or something under my squash when it starts to grow on the dirt?
In general I think it will stay freshest and best if you leave it on the vine until you are ready to eat it. It can continue to receive nourishments and immunity benefits from the roots and internal systems while it’s still attached to the plant. Sometimes there are reasons to pick a little early, and the garden does have threats too. But overall I usually only pick to eat.
What kind of squash was it? The answer depends on type, since winter squash store better than summer squash.
Was winter squash
Should go bad that fast, for sure. Did the skin have any obvious bug damage? How warm was it on your counter?
I didn’t see any bug damage (though i am new to gardening, might have missed it), but I feel like there are a good amount of ants in the garden too. Maybe the rotting was from me leaving it on the counter -_-
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