Picking at the right moment means better flavor, and for many crops, regular picking keeps the plant producing.
Rules of thumb
- Zucchini: pick small, around 6 to 8 inches; giants are watery
- Beans: pick before the seeds bulge, every few days
- Tomatoes: pick when fully colored, or at first blush and ripen indoors
- Lettuce: cut outer leaves and let the center keep growing
- Herbs: pick before they flower
General educational information. Growing conditions vary; check with your local Cooperative Extension office. Nickel Harvest isn't paid by any seed company, garden brand or store.