We have grown blue hubbard squash for the first time this year. We are in Massachusetts and would like to know the time for harvesting and storing this squash and butternut squash.
Here is an article or two that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/butternut-squash-harvest.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/when-to-harvest-squash-best-time-to-pick-winter-or-summer-squash.htm
How do I know when it is time to harvest my hubbard squash? They are getting really big and are a pale green. Seems like they might need to go longer. Just not sure as I haven't grown them before.
The following article should be of some help to you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/when-to-harvest-squash-best-time-to-pick-winter-or-summer-squash.htm
Some fruit has already set, but the runners keep sending out more length and forming more flowers. Will this send nutrients away from the developing squash? I have a rather short growing season here (northern Maine), so I need the squash that has already developed to ripen.
It is true that pinching off the tips of squash runners (after fruits have started to form) will allow the plants to spend more energy producing squash.
When you say "when the vine starts dying off," what does that mean exactly? The leaves on my vine are dying, starting at the base of the vine and progressively working their way to the end of the vine.
I assume your wondering about harvesting your squash.
The vine will start to turn brown and lose it's green color. The leaves start to turn slightly papery as the vines and plant die off.
The last paragraph of this article will help you.
The stem of the squash is a good indicator of when the squash is ready to remove from the vine.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/hubbard-squash-care.htm
Golden Hubbard squash...can I save the seeds for the next year's planting?
Yes, but the seeds may not produce the same vegetable due to the fact that squash have both a male and female blossom and rely on cross pollination from insects.
After the squash has been harvested it should be allowed to sit after ripening for 3 to 6 weeks.
Wash the seeds and then dry them. They should be stored in a dry area away from sunlight.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/hubbard-squash-care.htm
I have a squash vine with numerous squash (10) on the vine at various stages and still growing. As it takes 110 to 120 days to mature, should I cut the new growth from the plant to help the existing ones to mature?
Cutting the vine may injure it so severely that the entire plant will die, and if it doesn't die it will become highly susceptible to disease. The younger squash will either not fully ripen or die off on their own if the vine ends its life by providing nourishment to bring the more mature fruit full cycle. Leave it be, and enjoy!
Here's some additional information on Blue Hubbard Squash: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/hubbard-squash-care.htm
Why do I not have any female plants to pollinate the male plant? Also, how can I do something about it? Thank you, Marlene
Squash plants typically produce both male and female flowers on the same plant, but they often produce only male flowers initially for several weeks before the female flowers appear. The male flowers will pollinate the female flowers.
The female flowers will probably appear soon. Here's how to recognize the females when they appear: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/squash/female-male-squash-blossoms.htm