Steven M You know blackcurrants are ready to pick when they turn a deep, glossy purple-black color and feel slightly soft to the touch. But that’s just the first clue, because there’s more to spotting perfect blackcurrants than just color alone. If you’ve been checking your bushes every day and wondering how do you know … Read more
You know cantaloupe is ripe to pick when the stem slips cleanly from the vine with minimal pressure, the rind shifts from green to a creamy tan or gold, and you catch a sweet, musky aroma near the blossom end. If you’ve been growing these melons and wondering how do you know when cantaloupe … Read more
You know avocados are ready to pick when they reach a certain size, their skin color changes, and most importantly, when they pass the float test or feel slightly soft to the touch. But timing is everything because avocados are notoriously tricky, and picking them at the exact right moment means the difference between … Read more
You know asparagus is ready to pick when the spears have grown to about 6 to 10 inches tall and the tips have just begun to loosen. That’s the sweet spot for when asparagus is ready to pick, and it’s a window that lasts only a few days if you don’t check your bed … Read more
You know artichokes are ready to pick when the buds are tight, firm, and have reached a good size for their variety. That’s the simple answer, but there’s a bit more nuance to spotting that perfect harvest window. If you’ve been watching your plants grow and wondering when artichokes are ready to pick, you’re in … Read more
You know a tomato is ripe when it gives slightly to gentle pressure and releases a sweet, earthy aroma from the stem end. But if you’ve ever brought home a rock-hard supermarket tomato or accidentally bitten into a mealy one, you know that knowing when a tomato is ripe takes a bit more than … Read more
You know almonds are ready to pick when their outer hulls begin to split open and reveal the familiar, textured shell inside. This natural crack is the most reliable signal that the almonds have reached full maturity on the tree. But timing your almond harvest isn’t just about spotting one split hull, it’s … Read more
The best time to pick zucchini is when the fruit is about six to eight inches long, which usually happens just five to seven days after the flowers bloom. Knowing how and when to pick zucchini is the secret to enjoying the most tender, flavorful, and productive harvest from your garden. If you … Read more
The best time to pick tomatoes is when they’ve reached full color but still feel slightly firm to the touch. But knowing how and when to pick tomatoes isn’t just about color, it’s about understanding the plant’s signals, the variety’s habits, and even the weather forecast. If you’ve been wondering when to pick … Read more
You pick strawberries when they are fully red, and the best time to pick strawberries is on a dry, sunny morning after the dew has evaporated. That’s the golden rule for getting the sweetest, juiciest berries that will actually last in your fridge. If you’ve been wondering how and when to pick strawberries … Read more