Acorn, butternut and hubbard squash as approaching harvest. Winter squash is ready to be picked when the fruit is fully mature. Mature winter squash have dull-looking surfaces and their hard skins cannot be punctured with a thumbnail. Cut the fruit from the vine, leaving a one-inch stem.

After harvesting, to cure winter squash, except acorn squash, store them at 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit and a relative humidity about 80 percent. Curing helps harden the squash skins. Curing acron squash can reduce the quality and storage life of the fruit. After curing, store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated location.