Harvest and Storage
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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 […] 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 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 […] 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. Temperatures must stay above 55°F during the daytime and […] More
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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 […] More
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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 […] More
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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 […] More
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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 […] More
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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 […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Radicchio
Harvest radicchio almost any time during growth—when leaves are just 2 to 3 inches (5-7 cm) long or after a head forms and is firm to the touch. Radicchio matures 60 to 64 days after sowing. Radicchio will grow green or reddish-green until cold weather arrives then leaves will change to a range of reds, […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Kohlrabi
Kohlrabi is ready for harvest 40 to 80 or more days after sowing depending on the variety. Know the variety and days to maturity of the variety you are growing. The tastiest kohlrabi is eaten young and tender. Kohlrabi that grows too large will become woody, tough, and bitter tasting. Kohlrabi looks like an above-ground […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Swiss Chard
Harvest Swiss chard when the leaves are tender and big enough to eat. Swiss chard is ready for picking 30 days after sowing if you want baby leaves. Harvest chard 45 to 60 days after sowing if you want full-sized leaves with a thick midrib. When to Harvest Swiss Chard Harvest Swiss chard any time […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Kale
Kale is ready for harvest as soon as the leaves are large enough to eat. Kale matures 55 to 75 days from seed sowing. It is best grown to mature in spring or fall before temperatures climb into the 70°sF . In mild-winter regions, kale will produce new leaves nearly all winter. When to Harvest […] More
Steve Albert