when are gourds ready?

[richella]

I have all these volunteer gourds this year, they came in my compost, and I left them because I thought they were pumpkins, but most turned out to be producing small decorative gourds. (Though I was very pleased to come home from vacation to see a spaghetti squash!) Right now they're dark green and light green striped, with little warts all over. Most are roundish, a couple have necks and are about the shape and size of a small yellow squash. Any thoughts on when to harvest?

[kriket]

I harvest all winter squash when the vines die back.

I'm no expert but it seems to work for me!

[FarmerCathy]

Usually a light frost or two won't hurt them.

[richella]

Thanks!