Growing squash is popular with home gardeners, but as the season draws on questions can arise around when to pick squash. Is the best time to harvest the same for all kinds of squash? Is the size of summer squash or winter squash a factor in when to pick? Read on for expert squash picking tips and basic vegetable harvesting guidelines.
When to Pick Summer Squash
Summer squash includes any squash that has a thin, tender skin such as:
The size of summer squash can become rather large, but you will enjoy them more if you pick them small. The best time to harvest squash of these varieties is while they are still small. The ideal size for summer squash is around 6 inches (15 cm.) long or wide, if it is the patty pan variety.
Beyond this size, summer squash begins to develop a think skin and becomes bitter. The flavor is not the best for cooking. Frequent harvesting will also encourage the plant to produce more fruit.
When to Harvest Winter Squash
Winter squash includes any squash that you can store through the winter. Popular types are:
Winter squash are used when they are fully mature. This means that the best time to harvest squash of this variety is at the very end of the growing season, right around the time of first frost.
If by chance your vine is damaged by pests or weather that forces you to harvest early, other indicators of a winter squash that is ready to pick is to tap on it gently. If it feels solid and sounds slightly hollow, then it is ready to be picked.
Another easy indication that winter squash is ready for harvest is the fingernail test. To do a fingernail test, simply press your fingernail on the skin of the squash. If the skin is too thick for your fingernail to puncture, your squash is ready to pick. If it punctures the skin, the squash is not ready.
One word of caution for this method: try not to puncture your squash as this can open your fruit up to risk of rot and disease. If you feel like your nail will puncture the squash, stop and let your plant keep growing.
-
How Long Do Seeds Last? Plus, Tips To Extend Their Shelf LifeYour garden is all planted and you have leftover seeds... what now? How you store them is the key to their longevity.
-
How To Grow Winter Heath For Cold Weather ColorGrow winter heath plants for year-round mounding beauty that’s easy-care and rewarding. Evergreen and cold-hardy, they come in shades of pink, purple and white.
-
7 Perennial Herbs Perfect For Pots – Enjoy Aromatic Patio Harvests Year After YearDiscover the best perennial herbs to grow in pots. Ideal for small spaces, these low-maintenance plants offer year-round flavor and greenery on your patio.
-
Growing Tomatoes In Containers For BeginnersNothing says summer like homegrown tomatoes! Did you know you can grow tomatoes in pots? Click to learn how to grow tomatoes in containers.
-
Do-It-Yourself Floral Pumpkin CenterpieceCan you believe this pretty pumpkin centerpiece was made with just $13 worth of supplies? Plus, it was quick and easy.
-
9 Fun Things To Do With Pumpkins That Are Past Their PrimeWondering what to do with your pumpkin after the Halloween fun is over? Learn what to do with your pumpkins when you are done decorating with them.
-
How And When To Harvest Vegetables For The Freshest Flavor EverVegetable harvesting at the correct time can make the difference between flavorful and unpalatable produce. Here are some garden harvest tips to follow.
-
Tomato Verticillium Wilt Control – How To Treat Tomatoes With Verticillium WiltVerticillium wilt can be a devastating infection for a tomato crop. The best way to avoid it is to use resistant tomato varieties. It is also important to know the signs of the disease to avoid spreading it from one area of your garden to another. Learn more in this article.
-
How And When To Pick Hot Peppers For Peak Spiciness – Top Tips For A Hot HarvestSo you have a lovely crop of hot peppers thriving in the garden, but when do you pick them? There are several things to consider before you begin harvesting hot peppers. The following article discusses options for harvest and storage of hot peppers.
-
Tomato Fusarium Wilt: How To Control Fusarium Wilt On Tomato PlantsTomato fusarium wilt can be very destructive to home gardens. It is a fungal infection that invades the roots but causes yellowing and wilting in the plant above the soil line. With severe infections, you can lose a lot of tomato yield. Learn more in this article.
