A Winter Squash Harvest Timing Question was asked earlier. One answer to the question of when to harvest is "it all depends"... on variety, location, weather, quantity, & time available. (Pumpkins usually are harvested before Halloween for increased sales.)
Winter squash takes a long time to mature and yes its best to wait as late as possible in the fall before moving them to a dry (50-60 degree) location. (Although I've read that Acorn squash does better with a cooler 32-40 degree moist storage area). Winter squash should be able to withstand a few light frosts, which may help to change their starch into sugars to enhance their flavor. Check the shell with your thumbnail to see if it resists denting. In our climate, the rains & soil critters could start to rot the squash before we have many frosts...so it makes sense to check their undersides....I've heard of folks putting things under their squash to keep them off the ground, or growing them up sturdy trellis in small spaces. I may crumple up some of my spent squash leaves & vines under the squash to give it a lift off the soil...or try some straw. When its time for harvest, cut the stem 3-4 inches from the fruit.
I recommend only experienced seed-saving geeks to save squash seeds or seeds within the Cucurbitaceae family (commonly referred to the gourd or cucumber family which includes cucumber, gourd, squash, pumkins & melons), because there can be cross pollination among varieties of the same species).
If folks are interested in growing & saving seeds from squash, then post the question on the Seed-Savers group online here, and lets consider the interest for having a future workshop focused on seed-saving for squash, cucumber, & melons ( Cucubita & Cucumis genus species).
World Seed Fund recommends Squash being saved for seed be planted 1/2 mile from any other Cucurbita spp. and have a minimum of 10 plants to preserve the genetic purity. ( And there may also be a GMO genetic crossing danger between the Hubbard squash of the 'Cucurbita moschata' species and the GMO damaged zucchini's of the 'Cucurbita pepo species).
If you use hand-pollinating & protection, rather than insect pollinating you can help protect the genetic purity of the seeds...A good time for a workshop would be during the summertime when the squash is just starting to flower!
My seed-saving friend Ona on Lopez grows a delicious winter squash that stores well until spring. I'm waiting for her to pass on the name & some seeds to share with Uprising Organic Seeds and anyone else interested to save the seeds.
Stored properly, squash seeds may last up to 6-7 years! I've learned that when we buy seeds commercially, it does not mean the seeds are fresh from that growing year. Instead we may be receiving seeds from many years ago, as the growers will sell 'older' seed if the germination rate is high enough.
I'm heading back out to the garden sunshine where I can still find a few elderberries & grapes to eat fresh off the stem! (I hope this helps David P...and I still want to see your garden before the frost!)
Yours in the spirit of sharing nature's abundance & mysteries! Heather K
Ah ha, so here is the hidden squash response, I was looking for it. Thanks for the awesome info, and I hope I didn't harvest too early, but it is supposed to rain for the next week and the undersides of my squash were looking a little scary already so I think I did what I could. Next year I will try to put something underneath for airflow so they can go a little longer. I'll just have to try the taste test tonight and see if they are any good.
Hey David! Welcome back! You could try putting one of the squashes back outside on top of some straw and waiting until a few frosts and then doing a taste test comparison for sweetness.....But don't blame me if the experiement fails and the racoons or critters find your squash stash...For me, anytime I do something in the garden is the best time at that moment...otherwise the work would not get done.
storm's a brewin'. Goodbye summer, sniffle, cry. Just harvested all the squash last night, 2 wheelbarrows full, I've got a few 20+ lb. sugar hubbards that I need some help eating. Harvested some of the dry beans, but some are still green. I suppose I just have to wait and hope they don't mold?