How to Ripen Tomatoes and Winter Squash Indoors After Vine Breakage

Tomatoes: Two Methods

Slow, Even Ripening (2 weeks)

• Place tomatoes 2 inches apart in a shallow box or tray.
• Store in a cool, dark basement (55–65°F).
• Check weekly; remove any that rot.

Fast Ripening (3–5 days)

• Wrap each tomato individually in newspaper.
• Place in a single layer in a cool, dry spot.
• Check every 3–5 days; they ripen quickly.

Butternut Squash

• Place on a shelf or floor, several inches apart, in a cool basement.
• They’ll cure and sweeten over weeks.
• For very long storage (up to 3 months), keep in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer.

Key Principle

Vine-ripened is best for flavor, but these methods salvage a broken-vine harvest with minimal quality loss.