Harvest and Storage
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How to Harvest and Store Artichokes
Harvest artichokes when the buds are tight and firm and about 3 inches (8 cm) in diameter. Harvest buds before the petals begin to open. If you wait until the bud opens, the petals will no longer be tender. When to Harvest Artichokes Artichoke plants live for about 5 years. Production starts about a year […] 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. When to Harvest Sweet Potatoes Most sweet potato varieties are ready to harvest 95 to 120 days […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Broccoli
Harvest broccoli when the heads are green and firm and before the florets have begun to open. Broccoli heads are clusters of flowers. The florets are ready for harvest 10 to 13 weeks after sowing and plants produce buds for 6 to 8 weeks. When to Harvest Broccoli Time broccoli planting so harvest happens in […] 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 Tomatillos
Tomatillos are ready to harvest when the papery husk surrounding the fruit turns from green to tan and begins to split. Tomatillos are ready to harvest 75 to 100 days after sowing, 65 to 85 days from transplanting. When to Harvest Tomatillos Tomatillos are ready to harvest when the papery husk surrounding the fruit turns […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Beets
Harvest beets when root tops are 1 to 1½ inches in diameter but not more than 3 inches in diameter. Beets that are allowed to get much bigger than 3 inches (7 cm) across often become tough and fibrous. When to Harvest Beets Beets mature 45 to 60 days after sowing. Beets are cool-season plants […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Carrots
Harvest carrots when they develop their color and the tops are 1 inch in diameter or smaller. Carrots can be lifted as soon as they are a usable size. Carrots are ready for harvest 60 to 90 days after sowing depending upon the variety; they will continue to grow and enlarge if you leave them […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Cabbage
Harvest cabbage at any size after the head becomes firm and before it splits. Leave two to four wrapper leaves around the head to keep it from drying. Heading cabbage can be harvested when the head is about the size of a softball—5 inches (12 cm) or more across, squeeze it to test firmness. Elongated […] More
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How to Harvest and Store Lettuce
Harvest all types of lettuce at almost any time during growth. Lettuce will be ready to harvest about 45 to 60 days after planting, longer if planted in autumn or winter. When to Harvest Lettuce Lettuce grows best and tastes sweetest when harvested in cool weather. When the weather gets too warm–daytime temperatures greater than […] More
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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 Watermelon
Watermelons are usually ripe and ready for harvest when the underside turns from white to yellow and at least three tendrils on each side of the melon are dead. Harvest watermelons about 85 to 90 days after sowing seed, and 35 to 45 days after flowers appear. When to Harvest Watermelon There are several ways […] 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
Stephen Albert