Vegetable Harvesting - When Is The Best Time?
by John Yazo
Every home gardener plants there own garden for mainly the same reason. There is no better taste then fresh picked vegetables from your own garden.
Commercial growers and the home gardener don't harvest there crops for the same reason. The commercial grower has to harvest there crop to allow for maximum shelf life. This method of harvesting isn't always the best method for a crop to have it's best taste. Home gardeners harvest there crop for taste and knowing when to harvest your crop is going to vary.
Knowing when to harvest your crops will vary for a couple main reasons. The first is everyone doesn't have the same taste and another reason is that growing conditions vary in different locations. Soil conditions, sun and the amount of water that a plant receives will all have an effect on the taste of a crop. Looking at a vegetable to judge if it is the perfect time for harvesting based on it's size and color doesn't always mean the taste is going to be what you were expecting. There are some personal preferences that need to be taken into consideration.
There are a few things to keep in mind for a basic rule of thumb guideline on harvesting your crop. Vegetables are for the most more tender if harvested before they fully mature. Along with the taste and texture they will store for a longer period of time when not fully mature. Harvesting vegetables when they are at full maturity or beyond will have a tougher texture, soft and will be more seedy. Personal preference and the method that you will store your crops will also determine at what stage of maturity you want to harvest them.
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