You know squash is ready to pick when the skin is firm, the color is deep and uniform, and the stem has started to harden.   But there’s more to knowing when squash is ready to pick than just looking at the outside.   Whether you’re growing summer squash like zucchini or winter varieties like … Read more

You know rhubarb is ready to pick when the stalks are firm, vibrant in color, and at least 10 to 15 inches long.   But the exact timing for when rhubarb is ready to pick depends on a few key signs that every gardener should watch for.   If you’ve been staring at your plants … Read more

You know pumpkins are ready to pick when the rind is hard, the vine has died back, and the stem has turned brown and woody.   This is the surest sign that your pumpkins have reached full maturity and are ready to pick from the garden.   Timing is everything because pumpkins that are picked … Read more

Potatoes are ready to pick when the plants have flowered, the foliage has begun to yellow and die back, and the skins on the tubers are firm enough that they don’t easily rub off with your thumb.   Timing your potato harvest is a bit of an art, and knowing when do you know potatoes … Read more

You know peppers are ready to pick when they’ve reached their full mature size and have developed the deep, vibrant color that matches their specific variety.   But here’s the thing: peppers can be picked at different stages depending on what you’re after, and that’s where a lot of gardeners get confused.   The short … Read more

You know pears are ready to pick when they easily separate from the branch with a gentle upward twist, rather than when they feel soft at the store. That’s because pears are one of the few fruits that don’t ripen properly on the tree, so knowing when do you know pears are ready to pick … Read more