Question
Hi! I just read something about letting my butternut squash go until the first freeze, is this true b/c I don't want it to go bad, this is my first time growing butternut squash and not quite sure when to pick it.
Thanks!

Answer
Waiting until the first freeze is usually too late. A light frost won't hurt the squash, but a hard freeze will.

I never pick my squash until they start to reach their desired color. As soon as the green stripes begin to fade and the fruit is a light orange, it is time to harvest. Picking too soon will compromise the sweetness; too late the fruit will not be tender. However, always err on the side of picking early. This will ensure that the fruit is tender, even if it is less sweet.

I hope this answered your question. Good luck, and please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike