Question
Hi, Elyse,

I harvested a pumpkin a couple of weeks ago (northern Indiana), washed it off and towel-dried it, and set it in the garage. When I looked a few days later, it had collapsed and the tray it was sitting on was full of fluid. What happened? Did I harvest it too soon? It was a bright orange and looked mature. Thanks!

Answer
Yes, you picked it too soon. Winter squash ripen in the fall. Refer to your seed packet or catalog if possible for number of days to maturity to give you an idea when to start checking.

The stem should be brown and shriveled, the plant itself may be beginning to brown out. Once they turn color, they can begin to be picked for fresh eating. For storage however, wait until your fingernail cannot pierce the shell when pushed into it. But do make sure to pick all of them before frost hits.

With pumpkins, you can often wait until the plant is totally dried up.

Elyse