Know when to harvest for peak flavor and nutrition
πΎ Year-Round Harvest Guide
Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting! Each vegetable, fruit, and herb has an optimal harvest window when flavor, texture, and nutrition are at their peak.
Pro Tip: Morning harvest (after dew dries) gives the best flavor and longest storage life!
π± Spring Harvest (March – May)
Lettuce & Greens
Days to Harvest: 45-60 days
Peak Season: April-May
When to Pick: Outer leaves first, or whole head when firm
Spinach
Days to Harvest: 40-50 days
Peak Season: April-May
When to Pick: When leaves are 3-4 inches long
Peas
Days to Harvest: 60-70 days
Peak Season: May-June
When to Pick: When pods are plump but before yellowing
Radishes
Days to Harvest: 25-30 days
Peak Season: April-May
When to Pick: When roots are 1 inch diameter
π± Spring Harvest Tips
- Cool-season crops bolt quickly as temperatures rise
- Morning harvest keeps produce crisp
- Don’t wash until ready to use
βοΈ Summer Harvest (June – August)
Tomatoes
Days to Harvest: 60-85 days
Peak Season: July-September
When to Pick: When fully colored but still firm
Peppers
Days to Harvest: 60-90 days
Peak Season: July-October
When to Pick: Green or wait for color change
Cucumbers
Days to Harvest: 50-70 days
Peak Season: June-August
When to Pick: 6-8″ long, dark green, firm
Sweet Corn
Days to Harvest: 60-90 days
Peak Season: July-August
When to Pick: When silks turn brown
β οΈ Summer Harvest Warnings
- Check plants daily – summer vegetables ripen quickly!
- Harvest in early morning before heat
π Fall Harvest (September – November)
Winter Squash
Days to Harvest: 80-120 days
Peak Season: September-October
When to Pick: Hard rind, deep color, dried stem
Carrots
Days to Harvest: 60-80 days
Peak Season: September-November
When to Pick: Shoulder is 3/4-1″ diameter
Potatoes
Days to Harvest: 70-120 days
Peak Season: September-October
When to Pick: After foliage dies back
Onions
Days to Harvest: 90-120 days
Peak Season: August-September
When to Pick: When tops fall over
π Fall Harvest Tips
- Many fall crops taste better after light frost
- Root vegetables can stay in ground with mulch
βοΈ Winter Harvest (December – February)
Winter gardening is possible with planning! These crops can be harvested through winter:
Winter Kale
Harvest Time: All winter
Peak Season: December-February
When to Pick: Leaves sweetest after snow
Overwintered Carrots
Harvest Time: All winter with protection
Peak Season: December-March
When to Pick: Dig as needed
Leeks
Harvest Time: All winter
Peak Season: November-March
When to Pick: Dig as needed
Microgreens (Indoor)
Harvest Time: 7-14 days year-round
Peak Season: All winter indoors
When to Pick: When first true leaves appear
βοΈ Winter Harvest Tips
- Cold frames and mulch extend harvest season
- Many root crops taste sweeter after frost
- Indoor microgreens provide fresh greens all winter