You can know when winter squash is ripe by examining its skin, stem, and overall firmness.   If you’ve ever wondered how to know when winter squash is ripe, the answer lies in a few simple visual and tactile clues.   Winter squash is ripe when the rind is hard … Read more

You know yellow squash is bad when it feels soft or mushy instead of firm.   If you’ve been wondering how to know when yellow squash is bad, the answer is usually in the touch, the smell, and the look of the squash.   A good yellow squash should feel … Read more

You know when to pick yellow squash when the skin is glossy, the fruit feels firm, and a gentle press with your thumbnail barely leaves a mark.   If you’ve been staring at your garden wondering how to know when to pick yellow squash, you’re not alone.   Timing makes … Read more

You can know when to pick summer squash by checking its size, skin, and firmness before it gets too big.   Summer squash is one of those crops that tastes best when you pick it young and tender.   The moment you’ve been asking yourself how to know when to … Read more

You can know when to pick delicata squash by looking at its skin, stem, and overall feel on the vine.   Delicata squash is a winter squash variety known for its thin, edible skin and sweet, creamy flesh, but knowing when to pick delicata squash at the right moment makes … Read more

You know when to pick an acorn squash when the skin turns a deep, solid green and the rind feels hard as a rock.   If you’ve been staring at those acorn-shaped beauties in your garden wondering if they’re ready, you’re in the right place.   Knowing when to pick … Read more

You know when to pick a squash when the skin is firm, the color is deep and even, and a quick press with your thumbnail barely leaves a dent.   That little test tells you more than any calendar date ever will.   If you’ve ever stood in the garden … Read more

You can know when to pick a butternut squash by checking its color, skin, and stem.   A ripe butternut squash is beige, not green, and its skin is hard enough that your fingernail won’t leave a dent.   The stem should be brown, dry, and slightly shriveled, which tells … Read more

You know it’s time to harvest yellow squash when the fruits are firm, glossy, and about 6 to 8 inches long with tender skin that you can easily pierce with a fingernail.   If you’ve been wondering how to know when to harvest yellow squash, the answer mostly comes down … Read more

You know when to harvest summer squash when the fruits are young, tender, and about 6 to 8 inches long for most varieties.   That’s the sweet spot where the flavor is best, the skin is soft enough to eat, and the seeds inside haven’t turned hard and woody yet. … Read more