Should I go ahead and pick my winter squash now that the leaves and stalks are getting powdery mildew? Will it hurt the squash to leave them a little longer? I think they're about ready anyway... Of course, I have little idea of what I'm talking about, since I'm a relatively inexperienced gardener, but they look about right. We're due for some sunny days, so I could separate them from the plant and leave them so the skins harden/cure. A lot of what I read says they're mature when the skins can't be cut with a fingernail. I am afraid to try that in case they're not really ready and I'll introduce a hole that might prevent them from lasting in storage...?

We're in maritime Western Washington and probably a month (or more?) from frost.

Thanks.