We don't have a basement and simply store them in the coolest place possible. Some last quite a while.

If your basement only smells musty, you might consider storing them there. You could always wipe them off before using.

George
Tahlequah, OK

Thanks George,
I must have an incredible number of must receptors in my taste because I'm really sensitive to some "flavors". So I think I'll find a really cool closet somewhere. I'll have to check out my attic. It might get too cold though.
Thanks!

Just don't put them there until weather gets cold. Attics can really heat up when the sun is shining.

I remember 25 years ago, when we lived in a house trailer and had an exceptionally large squash harvest. We had them under our bed, behind the couch and other furniture and even used one for a door stop! The door stop squash, a large Tahitian Melon Squash, lasted for about a year.

George

LOL George! I hadn't thought of a door stop. Good idea!

I do have a thermometer at the top of the pull-down steps for the attic. I've never checked the temp in the winter, but I had it there for the summer.........I'm surprised it doesn't spontaneous combust up there on hot days. It goes up as high as the thermometer will go...something like 130+.....so no squash up there!

You can store them up until the frost outside, on your porch, for example. They will ripen faster this way. Or you can store in a shed if gets some air flow. Put them on some dry hay or straw. The cooler, dryer they are kept, the longer they will last, loosing some of the moisture and getting tastier.

Thanks cyrus gardner.