We asked Farmer Cole how he determines when squash and pumpkins are ready to harvest. Here is the information he shared:
There are many factors in determining when and how to pick our pumpkins and squash. Pumpkins, for the most part, are the easiest to determine when to harvest. Pumpkins ripen from green to orange throughout the season and we always try to harvest only the most ripe pumpkins in the field. A deep and rich orange color is always easy to spot. Squash, and this goes for almost all varieties, can be a little more difficult to determine whether to harvest or not. Butternut squash should have a rich tan color on the exterior and a beautiful creamy orange interior. Acorn squash and buttercup alike, will have a tell tale orange spot on the side that was in contact with the soil. This is the easiest way to determine whether or not to harvest them. Spaghetti squash should be a bright yellow color when ready to harvest. Making sure to harvest squash and pumpkins when they are completely ripe is vital, as most of them will not ripen further once harvested from the field.
Have a wonderful farm share week!
-Cole Moldenhauer
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