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/ […] More
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. When to Harvest Corn Pick corn after silks have turned brown and become dry. Ears should be […] More
Harvest garlic in the summer when tops have begun to yellow and partially dry. Garlic will be ready for harvest 90 to 100 days after spring planting and about 8 months after autumn planting. When to Harvest Garlic Harvest garlic bulbs when two-thirds of the plant’s leaves turn yellow and start to fall over 90 […] More
Harvest spinach when the leaves are tender and big enough to eat. Spinach is ready for picking 40 to 65 days after sowing. When to Harvest Spinach Harvest spinach as close to mealtime as possible for the best flavor. Spinach grows best between 60° and 65°F (15°-18°C)—commonly during spring or autumn. Plants commonly flower (bolt) […] More
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 […] More
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
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
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
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
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. When to Harvest […] More
Harvest tomatoes when the skin is slightly firm, shiny, and uniformly colored for the best flavor. As a tomato ripens it will turn from a vibrant medium-green to a lighter shade, with faint pink or yellow stripes or flushing. Later the skin will mature to a uniform red or pink or yellow or white or […] More
Harvest melons when small cracks appear in the stem where it joins the fruit. Once the cracks circle the stem and the stem looks shriveled, the melon will break off with a slight twist. If more than light effort is needed to remove from the vine, it is not ripe. When to Harvest Melons Harvest […] More
Stephen Albert