After growing dozens of melon varieties in my warm Sonoma Valley garden over the past three decades, I’ve learned that harvesting melons at peak ripeness—and storing them properly—is just as important as planting and caring for the vines. Knowing the right time to pick and how to handle each type—whether it’s a fragrant Galia, a…
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…
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…
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…
Winter squash is one of the best crops for long-term storage, providing homegrown food well into the colder months—but only if it’s harvested at the right time and properly cured and stored. Over the years, I’ve learned firsthand that timing is key when picking squash—harvest too early, and the flavor and storage life suffer; wait…
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