Crookneck Squash/Dark Yellow and Knotty

Question

This is our first year planting a garden and we’ve done so in a raised bed garden. Our Crookneck squash are turning dark yellow/orange and getting knotty WAY before they reach a mature size. What are we doing wrong?

Answer 1

A yellow crookneck squash that is dark yellow/orange and knotty is way past mature. Pick while pale yellow for best texture and flavor. Some varieties will show bumps/knots/warts, others are smooth skinned. I harvest yellow squash at 5''. This article might help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/when-to-harvest-squash-best-time-to-pick-winter-or-summer-squash.htm