Harvest all types of lettuce 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 75°F/24°C…
Harvest and Storage
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…
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…
How to Harvest and Store Collards
Collard leaves are ready for harvest as soon as they reach usable size. They will be most tasty when picked young–less than 10 inches long and dark green. Older leaves will be tough and stringy. Collard greens are ready for harvest 75 to 85 days from transplants, 85 to 95 days from seed. When to…
How to Harvest and Store Jerusalem Artichokes
Harvest Jerusalem artichokes when they are big enough to eat, about 130 days after planting. Tubers of Jerusalem artichokes—also called sunchokes–can be left in the ground past several frosts. They will be sweeter than those lifted sooner. When to Harvest Jerusalem Artichokes Harvest Jerusalem artichoke tubers from late summer onward about 13o days after planting….
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. When to Harvest…
How to Harvest and Store Pumpkins
Pumpkins are ready for harvest 75 to 115 days from sowing depending on the variety. Pumpkins can be left on the vine until the first frost in autumn is near. Cut pumpkins from the vine two weeks before the first frost and let them cure in the sun. When to Harvest Pumpkins Harvest pumpkins when…
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, 35 to 45 days after flowers appear. When to Harvest Watermelon There are several ways to…
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…
How to Harvest and Store Garlic
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…
