Question: How do I know when to harvest my squash?

Answer: Summer squash should be harvested when they’re half to two-thirds their potential mature size. Old, overgrown squash are not desirable at the dining room table, so discard any that have grown too old. If you’re out of town for a few days in the summer, arrange for someone to harvest your squash for you, so those mature fruit won’t slow further production. Winter squash are harvested when their skins harden and the vines begin to die. Often there will be a distinct light-colored spot where they have rested on the soil. Leave an inch of stem attached, to prolong their storage life.