Join our gardening family to receive the latest tips. JOIN ON SUBSTACK
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…
Standard-sized tomatoes take 20 to 30 days from blossom set to reach full size–commonly called “mature green”; they take another 20 to 30 days to ripen, that is begin to change color. A tomato can be picked when it begins to change color–from green to red, pink, yellow, or orange depending upon the cultivar. The…
Harvesting tomatoes at the right time ensures the best flavor, texture, and nutritional value. Over the years, I’ve learned that picking tomatoes too early results in bland fruit, while waiting too long can lead to splitting or overripeness. The key is knowing what to look for and how to handle your tomatoes to get the…
Subscribe today to get our weekly recipe newsletter! You don’t want to miss out!
