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    How to Harvest and Store Asparagus

    Asparagus spears in spring

    Harvest asparagus when spears are 6 to 9 inches (15-23 cm) long, about the thickness of your index finger, and before the tips begin to separate. When to Harvest Asparagus Asparagus is one of the first crops to come to harvest each spring. Early in the season when the weather is cool (less than 70°F/ […] More

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    How to Harvest and Store Sweet Corn

    Corn ears

    Corn is ready for harvest about 17 to 24 days after the first fine strands of silk appear at the top of the ears. Corn may ripen more quickly in hot weather and more slowly in cool weather. When to Harvest Corn Pick corn after silks have turned brown and become dry. Ears should be […] More

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    How to Harvest and Store Garlic

    Garlic Drying On Rack

    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 […] More

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    How to Harvest and Store Spinach

    Spinach leaves

    Harvest spinach when the leaves are tender and big enough to eat.  Spinach is ready for picking 40 to 65 days after sowing. When to Harvest Spinach Harvest spinach as close to mealtime as possible for the best flavor. Spinach grows best between 60° and 65°F (15°-18°C)—commonly during spring or autumn. Plants commonly flower (bolt) […] More

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    How to Harvest and Store Rutabagas

    Rutabaga in garden

    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. When to Harvest Rutabagas How to Harvest Rutabagas How to Store Rutabagas Storing Rutabagas in the Garden Also  of […] More

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    How to Harvest and Store Radicchio

    Radicchio

    Harvest radicchio almost any time during growth—when leaves are just 2 to 3 inches (5-7 cm) long or after a head forms and is firm to the touch. Radicchio matures 60 to 64 days after sowing. Radicchio will grow green or reddish-green until cold weather arrives then leaves will change to a range of reds, […] More

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    How to Harvest and Store Swiss Chard

    Chard cut come again

    Harvest Swiss chard when the leaves are tender and big enough to eat. Swiss chard is ready for picking 30 days after sowing if you want baby leaves. Harvest chard 45 to 60 days after sowing if you want full-sized leaves with a thick midrib. When to Harvest Swiss Chard Harvest Swiss chard any time […] More

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    How to Harvest and Store Kale

    Kale in garden

    Kale is ready for harvest as soon as the leaves are large enough to eat.  Kale matures 55 to 75 days from seed sowing. It is best grown to mature in spring or fall before temperatures climb into the 70°sF . In mild-winter regions, kale will produce new leaves nearly all winter. When to Harvest […] More

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    How to Harvest and Store Leeks

    Leeks at harvest 1

    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 […] More

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    How to Harvest and Store Tomatoes

    Tomato ripening on vine

    Harvest tomatoes when the skin is slightly firm, shiny, and uniformly colored for the best flavor. As a tomato ripens it will turn from a vibrant medium-green to a lighter shade, with faint pink or yellow stripes or flushing. Later the skin will mature to a uniform red or pink or yellow or white or […] More

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    How to Harvest and Store Melons

    Melon harvest

    Harvest melons when small cracks appear in the stem where it joins the fruit. Once the cracks circle the stem and the stem looks shriveled, the melon will break off with a slight twist. If more than light effort is needed to remove from the vine, it is not ripe. When to Harvest Melons Harvest […] More

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    How to Harvest and Store Summer Squash

    Squash pattypan and zucchini

    Harvest summer squash young and tender. Harvest summer squash when the skin is glossy and soft enough to be easily pierced with your thumbnail. When to Harvest Summer Squash Summer squash is edible as soon as the skin is glossy and can be pierced with a thumbnail. Harvest zucchini, crookneck, and yellow squash when they […] More