You know a tomato is ripe when it gives slightly to gentle pressure and releases a sweet, earthy aroma from its stem end.   But that’s just the quick answer, and if you’ve ever brought home a rock-hard supermarket tomato or a mushy one that tastes like nothing, you know the real question runs deeper. … Read more

The best time to pick zucchini is when the fruit is about six to eight inches long, and you should pick zucchini every couple of days once the plant starts producing.   Harvesting zucchini at this size is the secret to getting the most tender, flavorful, and versatile squash from your garden.   If you … Read more

How and When to Pick Tomatoes: Your Complete Guide Knowing how and when to pick tomatoes is the difference between a bland, mealy fruit and a sweet, juicy explosion of flavor.   You can pick tomatoes at the right time by watching for color changes and feeling for the perfect firmness.   When to pick … Read more

The best time to pick strawberries is in the morning, right after the dew has dried but before the sun gets intense.   When you pick strawberries at this time, they are at their coolest, freshest, and most flavorful state of the day.   If you have ever wondered how and when to pick strawberries … Read more

You pick spinach when the leaves are young, tender, and have reached a usable size, which is typically about 30 to 50 days after planting.   Knowing how and when to pick spinach is the key to enjoying the sweetest, most tender leaves straight from your garden.   If you wait too long, those lovely … Read more

You pick rhubarb when the stalks are firm, bright, and at least 10 to 15 inches long, and the perfect time to do it is from mid-spring through early summer.   Knowing how and when to pick rhubarb is the secret to getting the most tender, tangy stalks for your pies, jams, and sauces.   … Read more