How to Harvest and Store Winter Squash

"Winter squash" is a bit of a misnomer. They're grown in the summer, just as summer squash are, with the difference being that winter squash are not harvested until late summer, about two to four months after sowing seeds.

Things You'll Need

• Gardening Gloves
• Knife

Instructions

1. Harvest winter squash when the vines have dried and the skins are hard and can't be scratched with a fingernail - but before the first hard frost.

2. Harvest acorn squash when the spot touching the ground turns yellowish orange.

3. Cut the squash with a knife about two inches above the stem.

4. Store in a warm, dry area with good air circulation for up to six months. Store acorn squash in a slightly cooler and moister environment.

5. Bake winter squash, or puree them for cooking and baking. For longer storage, can, freeze or dry the cooked pulp.

Tips & Warnings

• Commonly planted winter varieties include acorn squash, butternut squash and Hubbard squash. Unusual varieties include spaghetti squash and melon squash.