Black beauty eggplant is ready to pick when it reaches a glossy, rich dark purple color and feels firm yet slightly springy to the touch. This usually happens about 70 to 85 days after transplanting, but the exact timing depends on your growing conditions and climate. If you have been asking yourself when … Read more
Bittersweet is ready to pick when the pods turn from green to a yellowish or tan color, and the berries inside have shifted from green to a bright orange or yellow. Knowing exactly when is bittersweet ready to pick comes down to watching for these clear visual cues, because picking too early means the … Read more
Basil is ready to pick once the plant has at least six sets of true leaves, which usually happens about 60 to 70 days after planting. If you’re wondering exactly when is basil ready to pick, the short answer is that you can start harvesting as soon as the plant looks bushy and healthy, … Read more
Acorn squash is ripe to pick when its skin has turned a deep, solid green with a prominent orange or yellow ground spot where it rested on the ground. You’ll know it’s ready for harvest when the rind feels hard and resists puncturing with your fingernail. The vine will also start to wither … Read more
A zucchini is ready to be picked when it reaches about six to eight inches in length, feels firm to the touch, and shows a glossy, deep green skin. That’s the sweet spot for flavor and texture, but zucchini can be picked earlier if you prefer smaller, more tender fruits. Knowing when is … Read more
Winter squash is ready to pick when the rind is hard, the colors are deep and rich, and the stem has started to dry and turn brown. Figuring out exactly when a winter squash is ready to pick can feel a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to growing them. But once you … Read more
A tomato is ripe enough to pick when it has reached its mature color, gives slightly to gentle pressure, and easily separates from the vine with a clean snap. But knowing when a tomato is ripe enough to pick isn’t always as straightforward as it sounds, especially when you’re dealing with different varieties, unpredictable … Read more
A tomatillo is ready to pick when the husk has filled out and split open, revealing a firm, glossy fruit that has turned from green to a deep, rich purple, yellow, or even a lighter shade of green, depending on the variety. If you’ve been growing these little gems in your garden, you’re probably … Read more
A Tabasco pepper is ready to pick when it has fully changed to its mature color, which is a bright, vivid red for the classic variety. This is the definitive sign that the pepper has reached its peak of ripeness and developed its signature heat and fruity flavor. If you’ve been wondering when … Read more
A strawberry is ready to be picked when it has reached full color, meaning it is entirely red from the top to the tip with no white or green patches. This is the single most reliable sign that a strawberry is ready for harvest because strawberries do not continue to ripen significantly after they … Read more