You know sweet potatoes are ready to pick when the leaves start to yellow and the vines begin to wither, but that’s just the first clue. The real signal that sweet potatoes are ready to pick happens underground, and the best way to know is by checking the size of the roots beneath the … Read more
You’ll know squash is ready to pick when the skin is firm enough that your fingernail can’t easily pierce it, and the color has deepened to its mature variety’s shade. Beyond that simple test, there are a few more clues that tell you exactly when squash is ready to pick, and they differ a … Read more
You know sweet corn is ready to pick when the silks at the top of the ear turn brown and dry, but there’s more to it. Knowing exactly when to pick sweet corn can feel like a guessing game if you’re new to growing it in your backyard garden. That’s because sweet corn’s … Read more
Rhubarb is ready to pick when the stalks are firm, the leaves are fully opened, and the plant has had at least one full year to establish itself after planting. If you’ve been wondering when do you know rhubarb is ready to pick, the short answer is that you’ll look for visual and tactile … Read more
You know pumpkins are ready to pick when the rind is hard, the stem is dry and corky, and the vine has started to die back. Picking pumpkins at the right moment is the difference between a beautiful, long-lasting squash and one that rots in your patch. If you’ve been staring at your … Read more
Potatoes are ready to pick when the plant above the soil starts to die back and the skins have had time to set firmly. That’s the most reliable sign that your spuds have finished growing and are now mature enough for long-term storage. If you’ve been wondering exactly when do you know potatoes … Read more
You know peppers are ready to pick when they’ve reached their mature size and have the firm, glossy texture you expect from a fresh harvest. But knowing when do you know peppers are ready to pick isn’t just about size, because different varieties signal ripeness in different ways. Some peppers are ready to … Read more
You’ll know pears are ready to pick when they lift away from the branch with a gentle upward tilt, but the real secret is that pears are one of the few fruits that must be harvested before they fully ripen on the tree. Unlike apples or peaches that signal readiness with a deep color change, … Read more
You know peaches are ready to pick when they have fully developed their characteristic color, give off a sweet, fragrant aroma, and feel slightly soft to the touch. If you’ve been standing in your orchard wondering when do you know peaches are ready to pick, the answer isn’t just about size or looks, it’s … Read more
You know lettuce is ready to be picked when the head feels firm to the touch and has reached a size that matches its variety’s mature dimensions. But knowing exactly when to harvest lettuce isn’t always as straightforward as checking a calendar, and many gardeners find themselves unsure if they’re picking too early or … Read more