Winter squashes are not for the impatient gardener, nor for those who have limited garden space and/or sunshine. That said, 'Table Ace' acorn squash may be worth it for those who love the slightly nutty, stringless flesh, as its vines are considerably shorter than those of pumpkins or butternut squash, requiring "only" three to four feet between rows and two feet between plants. Acorn squash is ready to harvest when the dark green skins cannot be pierced by a thumbnail and the vines have begun to die back, anywhere from 80 to 100 days after transplanting. Be sure to cut the squash from the vine using pruning shears, leaving at least an inch of stem attached for best storage.