Join our gardening family to receive the latest tips. JOIN ON SUBSTACK
After growing and harvesting dozens of watermelons over the years—from compact icebox types to sprawling heirlooms—I’ve learned that how you store a watermelon makes all the difference in flavor, texture, and longevity. Whether you’re enjoying a fresh slice on a summer afternoon or preserving your bounty for the off-season, proper storage ensures you get the…
How to Harvest Basil (and Keep It Growing Strong) After growing basil in my garden for more than 30 seasons, I’ve learned that how and when you harvest makes all the difference in flavor, plant health, and yield. Harvesting basil isn’t just about snipping leaves—it’s about encouraging the plant to keep producing while maximizing the…
Harvesting pumpkins at just the right time is key to rich flavor and long storage life. I’ll show you how to tell when pumpkins are ripe, the best way to harvest without damaging the fruit, and how to cure them for maximum freshness. Pumpkins are ready for harvest 75 to 115 days from sowing depending…
Few garden joys match the sweet burst of a just-picked strawberry. After growing strawberries for more than 30 years in raised beds and containers, I’ve learned that how you harvest and store these delicate fruits can mean the difference between a juicy treat and a mushy disappointment. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the…
After more than 30 years of growing sweet corn in my home garden, I’ve learned that harvesting at just the right time is the key to capturing that perfect, sun-warmed sweetness. There’s nothing quite like pulling back the husk to reveal rows of plump, milky kernels—especially when you’ve timed the harvest just right. In this…
As someone who has grown okra for many years, I can tell you that timing is everything when it comes to harvesting for the best flavor. Okra is a warm-season vegetable that thrives in hot climates, and its tender pods are a delicious addition to many dishes. But getting them at the right stage—before they…
Subscribe today to get our weekly recipe newsletter! You don’t want to miss out!
