Remove the oversized squash and throw them away to maintain the yield potential of the plants. Squash grows rapidly and is usually ready to pick within two to four days after flowering. Although summer squash has both male and female flowers, only the female flowers produce fruits. Since the fruits are immature when harvested, they bruise easily. Handle with care and use immediately after picking.
Some gardeners also pick the open blossoms before the fruit develops.
These blossoms are a delicacy when dipped in a batter and fried. If the rind is too hard to be marked by the thumbnail, it is too old. Remove old fruit to allow new fruit to develop. Check plants daily once they begin to bear. In certain years, they may attack squash in large numbers and stunt or kill the small plants.