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Harvesting potatoes at the right time—and in the right way—makes the difference between small, short-lived tubers and a large, long-storing harvest. Quick Potato Harvest Guide (Read This First) Pro Tip Harvest potatoes young or mature. Mature, full-size potatoes are called maincrop potatoes. Maincrop potatoes are often cured and stored for later use. Maincrop potatoes are…
Harvest sweet potatoes as soon as they are big enough to eat—usually when the ends of the vines begin to turn yellow. Quick Harvest Guide (Read This First) Pro Tip Related articles: When to harvest sweet potatoes How to harvest sweet potatoes How to cure sweet potatoes How to store sweet potatoes Sweet Potato Learning…
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. Related articles: When to harvest rutabaga Kitchen Helpers from Amazon: How to harvest rutabaga How to Store Rutabagas How…
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 Related articles: How to harvest artichokes How to store artichokes Kitchen tips:…
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…
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