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When is the best time to harvest butternut squash?
Harvest perfectly ripe butternut squash with this guide
A pile of butternut squash with one cut in half to expose the inside of the squash

Butternut squash is a delicious and versatile gourd. Whether baked, made into soup, or even mashed into pancakes, these sweet squashes are a delight to have in the kitchen. They’re even better when freshly harvested from your own garden! Growing butternut squash plants is fairly straightforward, but when can you expect to harvest them? Will they ripen after harvesting like tomatoes, or should you wait for them to be fully ripe? This guide on when to harvest butternut squash will answer all your questions.
When to harvest butternut squash

When you should harvest your butternut squash depends on when you planted it. Start checking your plants for ripe squash about three to four months after you planted them. If you planted them in the typical window of mid to late spring, this should fall in late summer to early fall. Depending on your climate, you may be able to continue harvesting squash through fall to early winter.

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A close-up of kniphofia flowers

From fiery and bright to subtle and light, orange flowers add a pop of color to any garden space. On their own they can add vibrancy to a drab or dark area, and they pair well with a wide range of other colors, too. The only problem is that there are too many beautiful orange flowers to choose from! If you're feeling overwhelmed, we’re here to help. No matter what type of climate you live in or what size plant you want, there’s an orange flower fit for your yard. Keep reading to find your perfect match!
Kniphofia

Also called torch lilies or red hot pokers, these tall, unique-looking plants strongly resemble their namesakes. They can grow to be five feet tall and are very attractive to pollinators, making them excellent centerpieces. Just make sure to give them plenty of room to grow.

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A variety of squash types set on a black table

From pumpkins to watermelons, there are many incredible gourds you can grow in your garden. While some gourds are ready to be harvested in summer or winter, fall is the season most often associated with gourds -- and for good reason. Some of the most popular fall decorations are gourds, including pumpkins and many types of squash. What should you do if you want something a little more unusual, though? We have a list of six fun and unique types of gourds you should know about to get you started.
Speckled swan gourds

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