Harvesting Vegetables

Growing and harvesting your own vegetables can be an immensely rewarding process; however, many first time gardeners run into problems in knowing when it’s the right time to harvest their vegetables. Harvest too early and your vegetables won’t have achieved peak ripeness and flavor. Wait too long and you run the risk of having vegetables that have passed their prime. Over time, of course, you’ll learn through trial and error but during that process you’ll probably lose more vegetables than you would like. By keeping a few basic rules in mind you can begin to harvest your vegetables at just the right time even if you’re a beginning gardener.

Asparagus-This vegetable should be harvested when the spears have reached about six inches in length. They will be about as big around as your pinkie finger and can be snapped off at ground level, which will allow new spears to continue growing. Remember to stop harvesting your asparagus about a month after the first harvest.

Beans-This vegetable should be picked before the seeds actually start to bulge. You’ll know it’s the right time to harvest when you can snap them in half quite easily. You will probably need to check every day for this sign of peak ripeness.

Broccoli-This vegetable should be checked before the broccoli buds begin to open, so you will need to check frequently.

Cauliflower-This vegetable should be harvested when the head begins to appear full.

Corn-You will know it is the right time to harvest your corn when you are able to prick the kernels and see a milk substance.

Cucumber-Check on this vegetable daily to see if the cucumbers have become firm and smooth. Once they have, it’s time to harvest.

Eggplant-Harvest this plant when the fruit becomes shiny and firm. Remember to cut the fruits from the plant instead of pulling them.

Lettuce-This vegetable will depend on the variety you are growing. Head lettuce should be harvested when the heads have become firm and full. Leaf lettuce should be harvested once the leaves are three or four inches in height.

Onions-You will know it is time to harvest your onions when the tops fall over.

Peas-Remain on the lookout for the pods to become full.

Potatoes-It is time to begin harvesting your potatoes when the tops begin flowering.

Spinach-Check this vegetable often because it can turn to seed very rapidly. It is time to harvest when the flowered stalk begins to make an appearance.

Squash-Summer squash should be harvested when the skin is still tender. Winter squash should be harvested when the exterior has reached anticipated color.

 
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