When to Pick Butternut Squash

Question

When is the best time to pick butternut squash?

Answer 1

This sometimes depends on the individual gardener. Many people wait until the stems turn brown and begin splitting. We would not recommend waiting until the stem is brown necessarily. Generally, once the squash is the correct color for its type ('greenish stripes' start turning orange or brown), feels heavy for its size and sounds somewhat hollow when thumped, then it is ready to be harvested. You really shouldn't wait until the fruit is fully grown to harvest, as it will be much more tender and sweet at an earlier stage. Some people also prefer to harvest just after the first frost. I would do so right before.