Will my winter squash finish ripening if I pick it and put it in the garage, the vines are beginning to dry?

Question

The squirels are eating my squash and I want to pick it before they get all of it.

Answer 1

Don't you HATE those buggers?

We have had this problem in the past, too. We did harvest some squash early and just made sure it was the first used over the year.

However, the squash does need to be at some level of ripeness to be picked. A green butternut, for example, won't really ripen to be that tan color.

The rule of thumb is not to pick winter squash until the skin can't be punctured by a thumbnail. If I am worried about critters, I pick them when they are about the right size and color for the variety even if the shell is not as hard as it should be.

My only other suggestion would be to wrap the squash (still on the vine) in a pillowcase and see if it deters the squirrels at all (make sure it is one you won't mind about if they DO chew through it!). Don't wrap it in plastic since it will keep the squash too wet.

We have also had some success putting a motion sensitive toy in the garden and moving it around - like a clapping monkey with cymbals - that sort of thing. When they get close it starts making noise and chases them away. The only problem is that if you don't move it a lot - daily - or change the toy -  they get used to it.

Don't underestimate that the squirrels won't get into your garage, too. If you do decide to put the squash up now, make sure you check on them in case the buggers get in there, too.

Good luck!