Russ,
I don’t have a straight answer for you because I don’t know what you intend to do with the completed project. Do you care if the turnings stay round? Or do you want them to dry with "additional character"?
Anytime you turn something from green or higher moisture content, it will change as it dries.
If you plan to have snug fitting lids, you will have to take every precaution to get them “dry†before your final turning. However, if you are looking to make quirky or items like bird houses and bird feeders that will be used as such, there is no need to wait. These are really more of a tool rather than a keepsake.
You will ALWAYS have to protect your turning from checking and cracks if you are turning green wood. This is especially true if you are including the pith in your turning.
I hope this info helps you determine your turning needs.
Tom