When would one harvest (rogue) acorn squash?

[mumkimum]

Since this popped into our garden itself, I'm not sure when (exactly) it was planted.  It has at least 3 nice looking squashes though, and I'd like to make sure we end up using them.  We haven't grown winter squashes before, so not sure at all what to look for when it's 'done'.  

Any tips so I can tell when to harvest?

[rhianna813]

Acorn squash should look dark green and usually has a small orange colour on the part that sits on the ground. That is a good sign it's mature. You probably cant tell by size because that varies a lot. It is no problem at all to wait until the plant starts dying back. Squash has a long shelf life, even once picked if it is kept cool.

We have a volunteer gourd plant growing out of compost this and taking over the yard. It's producing tons of gourds but we have no idea which kind they are and when to pick either LOL We'll be sharing them with neighbors though, for fall decorations.