Heirloom tomatoes are ripe when they yield to gentle pressure and show their mature, vibrant color.   Knowing when heirloom tomatoes are ripe is a little different from checking standard grocery store varieties, because heirlooms come in so many shapes, colors, and skin tones.   If you’ve ever grown these beauties, you know the frustration … Read more

Heirloom tomatoes are ready to pick when they reach the mature green stage, but the best time to pick them for peak flavor is when they show their first blush of full color.   Knowing when to pick heirloom tomatoes is a bit different than harvesting hybrid varieties because heirlooms don’t all ripen at the … Read more

Hickory nuts are ready to pick when they naturally fall from the tree, usually from late September through November, but the exact timing depends on the species and your local climate. The moment hickory nuts are ready to pick is a sign that the tree has completed its full growing cycle for the season. You’ll … Read more

Hedge apples are ready to pick in the fall, typically from late September through October, once they’ve achieved their full size and started to show their characteristic bright yellow-green color.   Figuring out when are hedge apples ready to pick comes down to recognizing the signs of maturity on the tree and understanding the natural … Read more

Hazelnuts are ready to be picked when the husks turn brown and begin to fall away from the shell. This usually happens in late summer to early autumn, depending on your local climate and the specific variety you are growing. If you’ve been checking your tree daily and wondering when are hazelnuts ready to be … Read more

Hatch chiles are ready to pick when they reach full size, feel firm to the touch, and show the deep green color you expect from this iconic New Mexico pepper. The timing for when hatch chiles are ready to pick usually falls between late July and early September, depending on your growing zone and the … Read more