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. Never allow cucumbers to mature on the plant. If cucumber fruits mature…
Harvest and Storage
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 Asparagus is one of the first crops to come to harvest each spring. Early in the season when the weather is cool (less than 70°F/…
How to Harvest and Store Rhubarb
Rhubarb is one of the first crops of the year; the plant springs to life when temperatures rise into the 40sF; begin the rhubarb harvest as soon as stalks are ready. Stems harvested in early spring will be the most tender and flavorful. (Rhubarb is naturally tart and is commonly coupled with strawberries.) Do not…
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 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 in…
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. Temperatures must stay above 55°F during the daytime and…
How to Harvest and Store Arugula
Harvest arugula when the leaves are big enough to eat. Harvest leaves one at a time cut-and-come-again or cut away the entire head. Arugula is a fast-growing cool-season salad green. It is ready for harvest 30 to 40 days after sowing. Arugula leaves are tangy and peppery with a mustard-like flavor. Young leaves 2 to…
How to Harvest and Store Endive and Escarole
Harvest endive and escarole when the leaves are large enough to eat. Endive and escarole mature 50 to 70 days after sowing but they can be harvested sooner. Endive is also called curly endive and frisee—it has frilly or ruffled leaves. Escarole is also called broad-leaved endive—it has smooth, broad leaves. Endive has a sharp…
How to Harvest and Store Rutabagas
Harvest rutabagas when root tops are 3 to 5 inches in diameter. Young, small roots will be the most tender and succulent. Rutabagas touched by at least two frosts will be the sweetest and most flavorful. When to Harvest Rutabagas Rutabagas are ready for harvest 90 to 110 days after sowing. Harvest rutabagas when the…
How to Harvest and Store Parsnips
Harvest parsnips in autumn and winter. Where the ground freezes hard in winter, harvest parsnips before the freeze. Where the ground does not freeze, parsnips can be harvested from the garden as needed. Parsnips overwintered should all be lifted before new growth begins in spring. When to Harvest Parsnips Parsnips are ready for lifting 100…
How to Harvest and Store Turnips
Harvest turnips when they are large enough to eat. Turnip roots are ready for harvest 40 to 50 days after sowing. Turnips should not be allowed to grow to large or they will become woody, stringy, and bitter tasting. When to Harvest Turnips Harvest turnips when root tops are 1 to 1½ inches in diameter…
