You know collards are ready to pick when the leaves are large enough to eat, typically reaching 10 to 12 inches in length, and the plant has been growing for about 60 to 80 days.   But figuring out exactly when collard greens are ready to harvest isn’t just about the calendar, it’s about looking … Read more

You know chillies are ready to pick when they have reached their full mature color, whether that’s a fiery red, a sunny yellow, or a deep purple, and they feel firm and glossy to the touch.   Knowing when chillies are ready to pick is one of the most rewarding parts of growing your own … Read more

You know chestnuts are ready to pick when the spiny burrs have turned from green to a yellowish-brown and have begun to split open, revealing the glossy brown nuts inside.   That’s the most reliable sign, but there’s more to timing it perfectly than just spotting an open burr.   If you’ve been walking through … Read more

You know cherries are ripe to pick when they come off the stem with the slightest tug.   If you’re standing under a tree and asking how do you know when cherries are ripe to pick, the answer is all about feel, color, and taste.   Cherries don’t continue ripening much after they’re picked, so … Read more

You know celeriac is ready to pick when the root reaches a usable size, typically 3 to 5 inches in diameter, and the shoulders begin to poke slightly above the soil line.   That’s the simplest answer, but there’s more to timing your harvest than just eyeballing the size.   Celeriac, sometimes called celery root, … Read more

You know cantaloupes are ready to pick when the stem slips easily from the vine with slight pressure, which is the most reliable sign of peak ripeness.   If you’ve been wondering how to know when cantaloupes are ready to pick, this simple “slip” test is the gold standard that gardeners and farmers have trusted … Read more