Summer is the time to reward yourself with the prizes waiting in your garden! Harvesting is definitely everyone’s favorite task. Isn’t it a great feeling to pick the juicy crops you’ve been growing all season? But there’s a little catch that might be a challenge!
Timing plays the main role in gathering your veggies. When I was a beginner, I didn’t realize how important it was to check the fruits before harvesting.
I was in a hurry and picked them a little too early, which unfortunately led to my basket being empty instead of filled with delicious veggies! They didn’t develop any flavor, and I couldn’t use them in my meals.
But I didn’t give up, I spent the next few seasons researching until I found the perfect methods and timing for harvesting. I’m going to share my tricks with you so you’ll get the most out of your crops!
Let’s See When The Perfect Time Is To Pick Your Crops
Set your alarm early in the morning, as this is when veggies have the highest water content, which means they will definitely taste better!
You’ll also need to know how to tell when your crops are ready to be picked. Before you harvest them, consider the color, size, shape, and maturity of the plant. It will be a piece of cake with these tricks!
By now, you’ll probably have ripe melons, watermelons, corn, tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers! Now let’s see the best way to pick them and find out if they’re ready for harvesting.
Secret Tips To Tell If Your Veggies Are Ready To Harvest
If you see that the entire tendril of the watermelon has turned brown, it is ready to harvest! You’ll also notice that they have started changing color from greenish white to buttery yellow or cream.
Use a sharp knife to cut them from the vine, but be careful not to damage the rest of the plant. For melons, if you spot a small crack forming around the stem and the vine, do a test pull. If it comes off easily, the melons are ripe and ready to be picked.
Check your corn by puncturing a kernel. If milky liquid comes out, twist off the stalk and pull it off.
I think you’ve already mastered harvesting tomatoes, but for any beginners, here’s how to tell if your veggies are ready to harvest. It might surprise you, but you should pick them right after they start to turn green. The best way to harvest them is by twisting the fruits off the vine.
Peppers need to reach their fully developed color, whether you’re growing red, yellow, or green ones. They should also be firm to the touch but not too hard. If your peppers show these signs, grab some shears and remove them from the plant!
Now, the last crop on our list is cucumbers! Look for darker ones that don’t have any yellow streaking. By harvesting at this stage, you’ll avoid any bitter flavor and end up with a better taste instead! Use shears to cut them from the vine.
Boy, if you follow these tricks, you’ll soon have baskets full of juicy veggies! They can really help you figure out when and how to harvest your crops. Plus, you won’t end up with bitter-tasting veggies; instead, they’ll be full of delicious flavor and ready for your favorite meals!
I’ve used this technique for years and couldn’t imagine trying anything else. So, get your shears ready, put on some gloves, and see if your veggies are ready for harvesting!
Good luck!