Do I harvest or not?

blokesmom · September 11, 2012

We are growing Delicious 51 muskmelons and Waltham butternut squash. Mildew has taken its toll on each one, plus we had temps. in the low 40's overnight which didn't help any.

The squash have turned a buff color with very few green stripes, but the stems are still green. There are practically no viable leaves on the squash vines.

The melons have netting. Most of the fruits' rind is mostly green, although there are a few which have the typical ripe color. The fruit is still very well attached to the stems. No full slip yet. The leaves are still present but yellow.

Our daytime temps. have been in the 70's with possible mid 80's in a few days. Nights are in the 40's and 50's.

Would you harvest these yet, or not? I know healthy leaves are important for these cucurbits to develop their full flavor.

Your opinions, please.

September 11, 2012	#1
blokesmom Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: WMass zone 6a Posts: 26	Do I harvest or not? We are growing Delicious 51 muskmelons and Waltham butternut squash. Mildew has taken its toll on each one, plus we had temps. in the low 40's overnight which didn't help any. The squash have turned a buff color with very few green stripes, but the stems are still green. There are practically no viable leaves on the squash vines. The melons have netting. Most of the fruits' rind is mostly green, although there are a few which have the typical ripe color. The fruit is still very well attached to the stems. No full slip yet. The leaves are still present but yellow. Our daytime temps. have been in the 70's with possible mid 80's in a few days. Nights are in the 40's and 50's. Would you harvest these yet, or not? I know healthy leaves are important for these cucurbits to develop their full flavor. Your opinions, please.