You know chestnuts are ready to pick when the spiny burs begin to split open, revealing the glossy brown nuts inside. But that’s only the very beginning of understanding the perfect moment, and if you pick chestnuts too early, you’ll end up with bitter, underdeveloped nuts that won’t sweeten properly. If you’ve ever … Read more
You know cherries are ripe to pick when they develop a deep, uniform color, feel firm yet slightly springy, and taste sweet right off the branch. Cherries don’t ripen much after they’re picked, so knowing when cherries are ripe to pick is the only way to get that perfect, juicy flavor. If you’ve ever bitten … Read more
You know celeriac is ready to pick when the root has reached a good size, typically 3 to 5 inches in diameter, and the foliage begins to yellow and die back. Celeriac, also known as celery root, is a cool-season crop that doesn’t shout at you when it’s time to harvest, so you have … Read more
You know cantaloupes are ready to pick when the stem fully separates from the fruit with a gentle tug, a process known as “slipping,” and the rind beneath that stem shows a distinct, creamy crack. This simple test is the most reliable sign, and it’s what commercial growers use to know exactly when to … Read more
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