"Craig" wrote in message
ups.com...
I have spaghetti squash and butternut and pumpkin in my garden,
When should I pick these, I have read a lot about not to pick them
until after the first hard freeze etc.
We've had nice weather here and some frost already but no snow or
hard freeze yet.
Most of the squash looks ripe, perfect color.
We're supposed to have snow this week, should I pick them before it
snows ?

I also have some butternuts that are very close to being ripe, in
color anyway, should I leave them a while longer and see if they ripen
outside.
It can snow this week and be back to 70 in a few days around here.

Also, how do I know winter squash is really ripened, something about
a thumbnail test is what I've heard.

Thank You
Craig
Denver, CO.


I always pick mine based on color. Cut the stems carefully, leaving maybe an
inch or so on the squash. Your climate's about 2 weeks ahead of mine
(Western NY). Pick them now if they look right. There *is* a thumbnail test,
but it involves slightly puncturing the skin, which does NOT help any
vegetable last longer. And, if the squash freeze outdoors, they often become
messy once they defrost.