Can You Store Potatoes And Squash Together

You can store potatoes and squash together, but only if you get the conditions just right.
 
In fact, many gardeners and home cooks do store potatoes and squash together without any trouble at all.
 
The catch is that these two crops have slightly different needs, so the trick is finding that sweet spot where both stay fresh.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether you can store potatoes and squash together without one ruining the other, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll look at whether you can store potatoes and squash together, the ideal conditions for each, and how to make it work.
 
Let’s dig in.
 

Can You Store Potatoes and Squash Together?

Yes, you can store potatoes and squash together, and it works better than most people think.
 
Both crops actually share a lot of the same storage preferences, which is why so many root cellars keep them side by side.
 
The key is understanding why they can share space and what to watch out for.
 

1. They Both Love Cool, Dark Conditions

Potatoes and squash both prefer a cool, dark, and dry environment.
 
Potatoes store best between 40°F and 50°F, while winter squash like butternut and acorn do well between 50°F and 55°F.
 
That overlap means you can store potatoes and squash together in a spot that hits the middle of that range.
 
A cool basement corner, a pantry shelf away from heat, or a root cellar all work great.
 

2. Both Need Good Airflow

Another reason you can store potatoes and squash together is that neither one likes to be smothered.
 
Potatoes need breathing room so they don’t sweat and rot.
 
Squash need airflow too, especially around the stem, to prevent mold from forming.
 
So if you store potatoes and squash together, just make sure they’re not stacked in a sealed bin.
 

3. They Don’t Produce Much Ethylene

Ethylene gas is what makes some fruits ripen fast and spoils nearby produce.
 
Thankfully, potatoes and squash are both low ethylene producers.
 
That means when you store potatoes and squash together, they won’t speed up each other’s spoilage.
 
This is a big reason the pairing works so well in the first place.
 

What to Watch Out For When You Store Potatoes and Squash Together

Even though you can store potatoes and squash together, a few mistakes can ruin the whole batch.
 
Here’s what to keep an eye on.
 

1. Too Much Humidity

Moisture is the enemy of both crops.
 
If the air is too damp when you store potatoes and squash together, you’ll get mold, soft spots, and rot fast.
 
Aim for a humidity level around 50% to 60%.
 

2. Light Exposure

Light turns potatoes green, which makes them bitter and even toxic.
 
Squash also loses quality when exposed to light for too long.
 
So if you store potatoes and squash together, keep them in the dark.
 

3. Damaged or Bruised Produce

One bad potato or squash can spoil the whole bunch.
 
Before you store potatoes and squash together, check each one for cuts, soft spots, or bruises.
 
Only store the firm, healthy ones and use the rest right away.
 

4. Onions Nearby

Here’s a big one: don’t store onions with your potatoes and squash.
 
Onions release gases that make potatoes sprout faster and squash spoil sooner.
 
If you want to store potatoes and squash together successfully, keep onions in a totally separate spot.
 

Best Way to Store Potatoes and Squash Together

Now that you know you can store potatoes and squash together, here’s how to do it right.
 

1. Cure Them First

Both potatoes and squash need curing before storage.
 
Curing toughens the skin so they last longer.
 
Let potatoes sit in a dark, humid spot for about two weeks, and cure squash in a warm, dry spot for one to two weeks.
 

2. Use Open Crates or Baskets

Never seal them in plastic.
 
Instead, use slatted crates, mesh baskets, or cardboard boxes with holes.
 
This keeps airflow moving when you store potatoes and squash together.
 

3. Keep Them Separate but Close

You can store potatoes and squash together in the same room, but not touching.
 
Give each crop its own crate or shelf space so they don’t rub against each other.
 

4. Check Regularly

Check your stash every couple of weeks.
 
Remove any potato or squash that’s starting to soften, sprout, or grow mold.
 
This one habit keeps the rest of your stored potatoes and squash fresh for months.
 

So, Can You Store Potatoes and Squash Together?

You can store potatoes and squash together, and with the right conditions, both will stay fresh for months.
 
Just keep them cool, dark, dry, and well-ventilated, and never let them touch onions.
 
Cure them properly, give them breathing room, and check them often.
 
Do that, and you can store potatoes and squash together without losing a single one.