Lemon cucumbers are ready to be picked when they reach 2 to 3 inches in diameter and still have a pale, creamy yellow-green skin that feels firm to the touch.   If you’ve been wondering when are lemon cucumbers ready to be picked, the answer comes down to size, color, … Read more

Kumquats are ready to pick when they have reached their full color, which is a deep, vibrant orange, and when they feel slightly soft to the touch, as they become sweeter and less tart once they fully ripen on the tree.   If you’ve been asking, “when are kumquats ready … Read more

Kiwis are ready to pick when they reach full size, but they won’t ripen on the vine like you might expect.   Instead, kiwis are ready to pick in the late fall, typically after the first light frost, and then they need a period of cold storage indoors to become … Read more

Kieffer pears are ready to pick when they reach a mature size and begin to show a slight color change from deep green to a lighter yellowish-green, typically from late September to early October. This timing is key because Kieffer pears are unlike many other pear varieties that you can … Read more

Kalamata olives are ready to pick when they’ve reached full maturity on the tree, typically showing a deep purple to nearly black color.   But knowing exactly when kalamata olives are ready to pick isn’t just about the color, it’s about timing, texture, and even the taste you’re aiming for. … Read more

Kidney beans are ready to pick when the pods feel dry, papery, and rattle when shaken, which typically happens about 90 to 120 days after planting.   That’s the short answer, but knowing when are kidney beans ready to pick involves more than just counting days.   You also want … Read more

Japanese maple seeds are ready to pick in the fall, typically from September through November, when the seed wings turn from green to a dry, papery tan or brown.   You’ll know it’s time to pick Japanese maple seeds when they start to naturally twist and spiral as they dry, … Read more

Jalapeños are ripe to pick when they reach their full mature size, which is typically 3 to 5 inches long, and develop a deep, glossy green color with firm, thick walls. But there’s a little more nuance to knowing exactly when to pick jalapeños, because some gardeners prefer them earlier … Read more

Japanese cucumbers are ready to pick when they reach about 6 to 8 inches in length, which typically happens just 50 to 60 days after planting.   That’s the sweet spot, and it’s a timing question almost every gardener asks when they first grow these crisp, burpless beauties.   When … Read more

Japanese eggplants are ready to pick when they have glossy, deeply colored skin and feel firm to the touch.   You’ll know it’s time to harvest Japanese eggplants when they reach about six to eight inches long, though some varieties are perfect at a smaller size.   Picking Japanese eggplants … Read more