Sunflower seeds are ready to be picked when the back of the flower head turns from green to a dry, yellow-brown color and the tiny petals have fallen off.   This is the classic signal that your sunflower seeds are ready to be picked, but there are a few more reliable ways to confirm the … Read more

Sugar snap peas are ready to pick when the pods are plump, bright green, and you can feel the round peas inside while the pod still has a crisp snap.   I know you’re standing in the garden right now, squinting at those hanging pods and wondering if today is the day.   It’s a … Read more

String beans are ready to pick when the pods are firm, smooth, and snap easily, typically 45 to 60 days after planting and before you can see the seeds bulging inside.   If you’ve been staring at your bean plants wondering exactly when are string beans ready to pick, you’re in the right place.   … Read more

Spring onions are ready to pick when their bulbs reach about the size of a dime to a quarter, typically 60 to 90 days after planting.   If you’ve been wondering exactly when are spring onions ready to pick, the answer comes down to a mix of time, size, and visual cues you can spot … Read more

Stanley plums are ready to pick when they develop a deep, rich color and give slightly to gentle pressure.   If you’ve been watching your tree and wondering exactly when are stanley plums ready to pick, the answer comes down to a mix of timing, color, and feel.   These European plums are a favorite … Read more

Soybeans are ready to pick when the pods have turned a dry, tan or brown color and the beans inside rattle loosely when shaken.   This is the classic sign of full maturity, but the exact timing depends on what you plan to do with your soybean harvest.   If you’ve been growing edamame and … Read more

Spaghetti squash are ready to be picked when their skin turns a deep, uniform golden-yellow and feels hard to the touch.   But knowing exactly when that moment arrives takes a bit of observation, because spaghetti squash don’t all ripen on the same schedule.   If you’ve been growing these oblong winter squashes and you’re … Read more

Shishito peppers are ripe to pick when they reach about three to four inches in length and have a bright, glossy green color with a slightly wrinkled texture.   Knowing exactly when are shishito peppers ripe to pick comes down to observing a few clear visual and physical cues rather than waiting for a specific … Read more

When are snap peas ready to pick is one of the most common questions I get from gardeners, and the answer is that snap peas are ready to pick when the pods are plump, bright green, and you can feel the round peas inside without the pod feeling too tight.   You’ll know snap peas … Read more

Shishitos are ready to pick when they reach about two to four inches in length, typically around 40 to 50 days after planting.   That’s the sweet spot where they’re tender, crisp, and perfect for that mild, slightly sweet heat they’re known for.   If you’ve been wondering exactly when are shishitos ready to pick, … Read more