You pick nasturtium seeds for pickling when they are plump, green, and still soft enough to be pierced with a fingernail, usually about a week after the flower fades.   That’s the sweet spot where the seeds have fully formed inside the pod but haven’t turned hard, brown, or dry … Read more

You should pick navel oranges when they have reached full color and come off the branch with a gentle twist.   Knowing when to pick navel oranges is all about watching for that deep orange hue, feeling for a slight give, and trusting your tree’s timeline.   If you’re asking … Read more

You should pick nasturtium seeds once the blooms have faded and the green seed pods have plumped up and turned a pale, creamy tan or light brown color.   This is the perfect moment to harvest nasturtium seeds because they are fully mature and ready for your next planting season. … Read more

The best time to pick napa cabbage is when the heads feel firm and fully dense to the touch, typically 70 to 90 days after planting.   Knowing when to pick napa cabbage isn’t complicated, but timing matters because this vegetable can go from perfect to bolting (sending up a … Read more

You should pick your squash when it’s young, tender, and still has a glossy, thin skin that can be easily pierced with a fingernail.   That’s the golden rule for summer squash like zucchini and yellow crookneck, but the answer shifts a bit if you’re growing winter squash like butternut … Read more

The best time to pick your serrano peppers is when they’ve reached their full mature size, which is typically around three to four inches long, and have transitioned to a deep, glossy green color.   But knowing when to pick my serrano peppers isn’t just about size, because the exact … Read more

The best time to pick pumpkins is when they’ve reached full color and the rind is hard enough that your fingernail can’t easily puncture it.   Knowing when to pick pumpkins is the key to getting a long-lasting fruit that’s perfect for carving, cooking, or decorating.   If you pick … Read more

You should pick your poblano peppers when they reach a deep, dark green color and are about four to six inches long, which typically happens around 65 to 80 days after planting.   Knowing when to pick my poblano peppers is a question I get all the time from gardeners … Read more

You know exactly when to pick your pineapple by checking a few simple signs of ripeness.   Picking a pineapple at the right time makes all the difference between a juicy, sweet treat and a disappointing, sour one.   If you’ve ever brought home a pineapple that looked fine but … Read more

You know when to pick my pickling cucumbers by watching for firm, 2-4 inch fruits that feel solid and snap easily when bent.   That’s the sweet spot for crunchy pickles, and picking at this stage encourages the plant to keep producing more cucumbers.   If you’re asking when to … Read more