Harvest winter squash when the rind is deeply colored and thick enough that you can't break it with your fingernail. Make sure you harvest before the first frost, or when you've had more than a week of weather below 50 F (10 C). Too much chill will affect how long your squash will last in storage.

How do you know when squash is ready to be picked?

Press your fingernail through the flesh. If you have to work at it, the squash is ripe; if it's very easy to pierce, the squash is immature. The skin should be full (non-glossy), firm, and rich in color without blemishes or cracks or soft spots. The stem should be dry and firm.

What month do you harvest butternut squash?

Typically, butternut squash is ready to be picked in late fall or early winter. However, if you plant your squash early enough, they could be ready in the summer. So, use other methods to tell whether you have a mature squash. It's possible you could be harvesting at a different time.