"Craig" wrote in message
ups.com...


On Oct 16, 7:07am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:
..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.-

Okay, I will pick most of them tonight.
What about the butternut squash that are almost at the right color
but not quit yet, if I pick them do they ripen off the vine in the
house or should I leave them out and just cover them at night.

Craig

+++++++++++++++++

Cover the vines, but put sticks under the covers to minimize contact between
the covers and the leaves. And, keep a close eye on the undersides of the
squash. If vegetation beneath them gets frost killed, it'll turn to mush and
it could adversely affect the squash. Put straw or wood chips under them, if
necessary.