Can Potatoes And Squash Be Stored Together

Potatoes and squash should not be stored together.
 
Even though they’re both hardy storage crops that can last for months when handled right, they have very different needs when it comes to temperature, humidity, and airflow.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether you can store potatoes and squash together, the short answer is no—and in this post, we’ll break down exactly why that’s the case, plus what you should do instead so both crops stay fresh for as long as possible.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why Potatoes and Squash Shouldn’t Be Stored Together

When you store potatoes and squash together, you’re basically forcing two crops with opposite needs into the same space.
 
That leads to problems for at least one of them, and usually both.
 
Here’s why keeping potatoes and squash in the same spot is a bad idea.
 

1. They Need Different Temperatures

Potatoes store best at around 40–50°F (4–10°C).
 
Winter squash, on the other hand, prefers warmer conditions—ideally between 50–55°F (10–13°C).
 
If you try to store potatoes and squash together, one of them will be too cold or too warm, and that shortens their shelf life fast.
 
Potatoes stored too warm will sprout, shrivel, and turn soft.
 
Squash stored too cold will develop chilling injury, which shows up as watery flesh, dark spots, and a mushy texture.
 

2. They Need Different Humidity Levels

Potatoes like high humidity—around 85–95%—to keep from shriveling.
 
Winter squash, though, wants things on the drier side, around 50–60% humidity.
 
So if you’re storing potatoes and squash together, the squash will sit in air that’s too damp for it.
 
That excess moisture encourages mold, rot, and soft spots on the squash skin.
 
Meanwhile, if you dry things out for the squash, your potatoes will lose moisture and go wrinkly.
 

3. Ethylene Gas Speeds Up Spoiling

Potatoes give off ethylene gas as they sit in storage.
 
Squash is sensitive to ethylene, and exposure to it can cause the squash to ripen too quickly, develop off flavors, and rot sooner.
 
So simply putting potatoes and squash together in the same bin or pantry corner can cut your squash’s storage life by weeks.
 

4. Airflow Needs Are Different

Potatoes need good ventilation to keep from sweating and molding.
 
Squash also benefits from airflow, but it prefers a drier, steadier environment without the dampness potatoes create.
 
When you store potatoes and squash together, the moisture potatoes release can settle on the squash and cause problems.
 

How to Store Potatoes and Squash Separately

If you want your harvest to last, the key is giving each crop its own space.
 
Here’s how to do it right.
 

1. Store Potatoes in a Cool, Dark, Humid Spot

Keep potatoes in a dark place at 40–50°F with high humidity.
 
A root cellar, a cool basement corner, or even a ventilated bin in a dark garage works well.
 
Use a breathable container—like a mesh bag, cardboard box with holes, or a wooden crate—so air can move around the potatoes.
 
Never store potatoes in sealed plastic, because trapped moisture leads to rot.
 

2. Store Squash in a Cool, Dry, Ventilated Area

Winter squash likes it a bit warmer and much drier.
 
Aim for 50–55°F with about 50–60% humidity.
 
A spare room, a closet, or a shelf in a cool pantry works nicely.
 
Keep squash in a single layer, not piled up, so air can circulate around each one.
 

3. Keep Them in Different Rooms If Possible

The best way to avoid the ethylene problem is to keep potatoes and squash in separate rooms or at least on opposite sides of a large space.
 
Even a few feet of distance helps, but a wall between them is even better.
 

4. Check on Them Regularly

No matter how well you store potatoes and squash, one bad one can spoil the bunch.
 
Check your stored crops every week or two and remove anything that’s soft, moldy, or starting to smell.
 
That one small habit can save the rest of your harvest.
 

Can You Store Potatoes and Squash Together for a Short Time?

If you’re just talking about a day or two—say, while you’re prepping a meal—it’s not a big deal.
 
But for long-term storage, no, you really shouldn’t store potatoes and squash together.
 
The longer they sit side by side, the more damage the ethylene, humidity, and temperature mismatch will do.
 
If you’re short on space, prioritize separating them over keeping them perfectly climate-controlled.
 
Even a slightly warmer spot for your squash beats letting it sit next to your potatoes.
 

So, Can Potatoes and Squash Be Stored Together?

Potatoes and squash should not be stored together because they need different temperatures, different humidity levels, and different airflow—and potatoes release ethylene gas that speeds up squash spoilage.
 
The good news is that both crops store beautifully on their own when you give them the right conditions.
 
Keep your potatoes cool, dark, and humid, and keep your squash cool, dry, and ventilated, and you’ll be enjoying both well into the winter months.
 
Happy storing!