Harvest and Storage
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How to Harvest and Store Leeks
Harvest leeks when they are big enough to use. Most leeks mature 100 to 120 days after sowing seed, but a few varieties mature in as few as 60 days. Some varieties mature at ½ to ¾ inches in diameter; others can grow to 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more in diameter. Related articles: When […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Sweet Potatoes
Harvest sweet potatoes as soon as they are big enough to eat—usually when the ends of the vines begin to turn yellow. Harvest sweet potatoes before the vines are touched by frost. Frost can damage the tubers below. Related articles: When to harvest sweet potatoes How to harvest sweet potatoes How to cure sweet potatoes […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Eggplant
Harvest eggplant young as soon as the skin becomes glossy. The flesh of young eggplant will be more tender and the seeds smaller. The plant will produce more fruit if kept picked. Related articles: When to harvest eggplant It is better to harvest eggplant just before it’s ripe than to wait too long. How to […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Celery
Celery is ready to harvest 85 to 120 days after transplanting depending on the variety. Celery is finicky and can be a challenge to grow. The optimal temperatures for growing celery are 65° to 75°F (18°-24°C) during the day and 60° to 65°F (15°-18°C) at night. Related articles: Temperatures must stay above 55°F during the […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Peppers
Peppers can be harvested as soon as they are large enough to eat. Most mild and hot peppers take at least 70 days from transplanting to reach edible size and another 3 to 4 weeks to reach maturity. Some hot peppers take longer. Related articles: If you know the variety of pepper you are growing […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Peas
Harvest green peas when they are young and tender. They will become hard and starchy if left on the vine for too long. Green peas are best shelled and cooked within an hour of harvest. Harvest edible-pod peas when the peas are just beginning to form; when the outline of the pea is just visible […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Sweet Corn
Corn is ready for harvest about 17 to 24 days after the first fine strands of silk appear at the top of the ears. Corn may ripen more quickly in hot weather and more slowly in cool weather. Related articles: When to harvest sweet corn How to test sweet corn for ripeness How to harvest […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Cucumbers
Cucumbers are best picked green, firm, and moderate in size–as soon as they are edible and usable size. Home-grown cucumbers should be picked slightly smaller than the size you’d find at the market. Smaller cucumbers will be just as tasty as larger cucumbers. Related article: Cucumbers come to harvest quickly. Six to seven weeks after […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Summer Squash
Harvest summer squash young and tender. Harvest summer squash when the skin is glossy and soft enough to be easily pierced with your thumbnail. Related articles: When to harvest summer squash How to harvest summer squash More tips on harvesting all summer vegetables at Summer Vegetable Harvest Tips. How to store summer squash Storing winter […] More
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How to Harvest, Cure, and Store Winter Squash
Harvest winter squashes when they are mature. Winter squash is mature when its rind cannot be scratched with a thumbnail. Winter squashes include Acorn, Butternut, Hubbard, Banana, Buttercup, Spaghetti, and pumpkins. Winter squash refers to squash planted in spring, grown in summer, harvested in fall, and stored for winter use. Winter squashes require more days […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Asparagus
Harvest asparagus when spears are 6 to 9 inches (15-23 cm) long, about the thickness of your index finger, and before the tips begin to separate. When to harvest asparagus How to harvest asparagus How to extend the asparagus harvest There are some proven ways to increase and extend the asparagus harvest: After ferns turn […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Potatoes
Harvest potatoes young or mature. Mature, full-size potatoes are called maincrop potatoes. Maincrop potatoes are often cured and stored for later use. Maincrop potatoes are ready for harvest when most of the top foliage has withered Small, round, immature potatoes are often called “new potatoes.” New potatoes are usually eaten skin and all. New or […] More
Stephen Albert
