Have few friends telling me different things and as newbie and gone this far I'm not wanting to screw this first grow up. Couple tell me I should be getting ready in few days and couple saying leave it till first frost...you hear so many different opinions its confusing...
I know some branches may look close but I think a couple more weeks?...any input welcome...these are 3 different plants!
If you are outdoors (which you are), I would let them continue to grow for as long as you can, as they look like they aren't quite ready and should fatten up a little more. Since it is late in the season, I would let them continue until you get a hard frost. I have kept plants going with snow on their leaves... they are pretty hardy.