Acorn squash are ready to be picked when their skin turns a deep, dark green with a prominent orange or yellow patch where they rest on the ground.   That ground spot is the single most reliable indicator that your acorn squash are ready to be picked, and it beats any other trick in the … Read more

The best time to pick Swiss chard is when the leaves reach a usable size, and you can harvest it continuously from early summer all the way through the first hard frost of autumn.   Knowing when and how to pick Swiss chard is the secret to getting the most from this incredibly generous and … Read more

The best time to pick lavender is in the morning, right after the dew has dried but before the sun gets too intense.   Knowing when and how to pick lavender is the secret to getting the most fragrance, color, and essential oil from your blooms.   If you’ve been wondering when and how to … Read more

The best time to pick jalapenos is when they reach their full size, typically 3 to 4 inches long, and turn a deep, glossy green with firm, smooth skin.   Knowing when and how to pick jalapenos can be the difference between a mild, crisp pepper and a fiery, overly mature one.   Many gardeners … Read more

The best time to pick green beans is in the morning, right after the dew has dried, when the pods are firm, smooth, and snap crisply in your hand.   If you’ve been growing your own and wondering when and how to pick green beans, the answer really comes down to a mix of timing, … Read more

What to look for when picking out a watermelon comes down to a few simple sensory checks that anyone can master. When you’re picking out a watermelon, the goal is to find one that’s heavy, hollow-sounding, and sporting a creamy yellow spot. These clues tell you a lot about the melon’s sweetness, ripeness, and overall … Read more