Harvest and Storage
Latest stories
More stories
-
How to Tell When Melons Are Ripe
Melons are ready to harvest when they smell sweet and come away from the vine easily. Each type of melon offers visual, tactile, and aromatic clues to ripeness. I’ve grown melons for years in raised beds, mounded beds, and even containers. Here’s how I recognize ripeness signs for each variety: General Signs of Ripe Melons […] More
-
How and When to Harvest Basil for Maximum Flavor (Tips from an Experienced Gardener)
How to Harvest Basil (and Keep It Growing Strong) After growing basil in my garden for more than 30 seasons, I’ve learned that how and when you harvest makes all the difference in flavor, plant health, and yield. Harvesting basil isn’t just about snipping leaves—it’s about encouraging the plant to keep producing while maximizing the […] More
-
How and When to Harvest Pumpkins
Harvesting pumpkins at just the right time is key to rich flavor and long storage life. I’ll show you how to tell when pumpkins are ripe, the best way to harvest without damaging the fruit, and how to cure them for maximum freshness. Pumpkins are ready for harvest 75 to 115 days from sowing depending […] More
-
Harvesting and Storing Strawberries: Tips for Freshness
Few garden joys match the sweet burst of a just-picked strawberry. After growing strawberries for more than 30 years in raised beds and containers, I’ve learned that how you harvest and store these delicate fruits can mean the difference between a juicy treat and a mushy disappointment. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the […] More
-
How to Harvest and Store Sweet Corn
After more than 30 years of growing sweet corn in my home garden, I’ve learned that harvesting at just the right time is the key to capturing that perfect, sun-warmed sweetness. There’s nothing quite like pulling back the husk to reveal rows of plump, milky kernels—especially when you’ve timed the harvest just right. In this […] More
-
When and How to Harvest Okra for Best Flavor
As someone who has grown okra for many years, I can tell you that timing is everything when it comes to harvesting for the best flavor. Okra is a warm-season vegetable that thrives in hot climates, and its tender pods are a delicious addition to many dishes. But getting them at the right stage—before they […] More
-
When to Harvest Hot Peppers for Maximum Heat
Through years of growing and experimenting with hot peppers, I’ve learned that timing is everything when it comes to harvesting for maximum heat. If you’ve ever wondered why some peppers pack a fiery punch while others seem mild, the secret lies in when you pick them. I’ve tested different harvest stages, from immature green pods […] More
-
When and How to Harvest Tomatoes for the Best Flavor
Harvesting tomatoes at the right time ensures the best flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Over the years, I’ve learned that picking tomatoes too early results in bland fruit, while waiting too long can lead to splitting or overripeness. The key is knowing what to look for and how to handle your tomatoes to get the […] More
-
Harvesting, Storing, and Cooking Snap Beans: A Gardener’s Guide
Through hands-on experience in my home garden,, I’ve learned that timing the harvest just right makes all the difference in flavor and texture. Whether you’re picking crisp bush beans or tender pole beans, harvesting at the peak of freshness ensures the best taste. When picked young and firm, snap beans are sweet, juicy, and perfect […] More
-
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
-
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
-
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
Stephen Albert
