An important part of growing a vegetable garden is knowing when to harvest all those fresh eggplants, cucumbers, tomatoes, squashes and every other delicious edible.

I record a Facebook post the other sidereal day from a new nurseryman wanting to know what was improper with her cucumber vine . The yield was still on its vine , but it was starting to turn icteric .

One look and I sleep together that cucumber had grown way past its prime , and was more suitable as an entry in a giant cucumber contest at the fair than for eating . Fruits like this one have been on the vine too long and will be indisposed and bitter .

Harvesting fruits , vegetable and herbaceous plant at their peak of impertinence is the goal for every vegetable gardener . It ’s gentle to will produce on the plant too long . Sometimes it ’s because we require the tomato plant to mature just a bit more or to get eggplants to the same size as those at the grocery store .

Article image

The tonality is to cull early and often . For illustration , peppers and cucumbers will keep bring forth through the gardening time of year as long as you keep pick them . Eggplant increase will slow or stop if the fruits are n’t harvested on meter .

fruit and vegetables that rest on the plants too long transmit a signal that it ’s time to start going to sow .

Here are some when - to - nibble tips to avoid the problem with over - advanced vegetable :

Article image

ThisWhen to Harvest Vegetablesarticle bid tip for additional fruits and vegetables .

Fine Gardening Recommended mathematical product

A.M. Leonard Deluxe Soil Knife & Leather Sheath Combo

Article image

Fine Gardening receives a perpetration for particular purchased through link on this website , including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertizement program .

Gardena 3103 Combisystem 12 - column inch To 20 - Inch Adjustable Metal Fan Rake Head

Organo Republic 16 Perennial Wildflower source Mix for Indoor & Outdoors

Article image

Get our in style gratuity , how - to articles , and instructional video get off to your inbox .

sign you up …

When to Harvest Vegetables

Fall Harvest Festivals and Happy Autumn Equinox!

In the Greenhouse Today

Autumn is here: Let us celebrate the harvest season!

connect Fine Gardening for a detached lock bouncy webinar featuring Dr. Janna Beckerman , a renowned plant life pathologist as well as prof emerita at Purdue University and the ornamentals technical manager …

When I spotted a exceptional moxie dollar bill cactus ( Astrophytum asterias ) at the Philadelphia Flower Show a few months ago , I have intercourse I was in fuss . With a delicious color formula …

When we only prioritize flora we want over plant our landscape motivation , each season is filled with a never - ending lean of chores : pruning , pinch , lacrimation , treating , amending , and fertilizing , with …

Article image

Subscribe today and save up to 47%

Video

Touring an Eco-friendly, Shady Backyard Retreat

You must be careful when you enter the backyard of garden designer Jeff Epping — not because you ’re likely to activate on something , but because you might be dive - fail by a pair …

4 Midsummer Favorites From a Plant Breeder’s Garden

Episode 181: Plants You Can’t Kill

Episode 180: Plants with Big, Bold Foliage

4 Steps to Remove Invasive Plants in Your Yard

All Access members get more

Sign up for afree trialand get access to ALL our regional subject , plus the rest of the member - only content library .

Start Free Trial

Article image

Get staring internet site access to expert advice , regional content , and more , plus the photographic print magazine .

part your devoid trial

Already a member?sign in

Article image

Carefully cut eggplants from the plant while fruits are still small and the skin is shiny.Photo/Illustration: Jodi Torpey

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Magazine Cover

Magazine Cover

Magazine Cover

Magazine Cover

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Magazine Cover

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image

Article image