You know it’s time to harvest kabocha squash when the stem turns corky and brown, the skin hardens to the point you can’t dent it with a fingernail, and the squash feels noticeably heavier than it looks.   That’s the short answer to the question of how to know when … Read more

You can know when to harvest delicata squash when the skin has thickened and can’t be dented with a fingernail.   That’s the simplest and most reliable sign, and it works whether you’re growing delicata squash in a backyard garden or a raised bed.   But there are a few … Read more

Knowing when summer squash is ready to pick comes down to a few simple visual and tactile clues that anyone can learn quickly.   Summer squash is one of those crops that tastes best when it’s picked young and tender, so timing really matters here.   If you wait too … Read more

You know when to harvest buttercup squash when the skin has turned a deep, solid green and the rind is hard enough that you can’t dent it with a fingernail.   If you’ve been staring at your buttercup squash in the garden wondering whether it’s finally time to grab the … Read more

You know spaghetti squash is cooked when a fork or knife glides through the flesh with little to no resistance.   The skin should also give slightly when you press it, and the inside strands will separate easily into spaghetti-like threads.   If you’ve ever stood in your kitchen staring … Read more

How to Know When Kabocha Squash Is Ripe Knowing when kabocha squash is ripe comes down to a few simple checks you can do right in the field or at the store.   When a kabocha squash is ripe, its skin turns dull and hard, the stem looks dry and … Read more

You know when hubbard squash is ripe when its skin has hardened into a tough, protective shell that resists your thumbnail.   At that stage, the squash has fully matured and is ready to be harvested for storage or cooking.   But figuring out when a hubbard squash is ripe … Read more

You know honeynut squash is ripe when its skin turns a deep, rich tan color and feels firm but not rock-hard.   If you’re wondering how to know when honeynut squash is ripe, the answer lies in a few simple visual and tactile clues.   Unlike its butternut cousin, honeynut … Read more

You know acorn squash is cooked when a fork or knife slides easily into the flesh without resistance.   That’s the simplest and most reliable test, and it works whether you roast, steam, microwave, or bake your squash.   If you’ve ever stood over a hot oven wondering how to … Read more

How to Know When an Acorn Squash Is Ripe Knowing when an acorn squash is ripe comes down to a few simple checks you can do right in your garden or at the store.   An acorn squash is ripe when its skin has turned a deep, dark green with … Read more