You know nectarines are ready to pick when they give slightly to gentle pressure and release a sweet, fragrant aroma at the stem end.   But there’s actually a lot more to figuring out when nectarines are ready to pick than just squeezing the fruit once.   Whether you’re growing … Read more

You know lemons are ripe to pick when they reach full size, develop a slight give under gentle pressure, and display a vibrant yellow color that’s uniform across the skin.   But timing isn’t always obvious, especially since lemons can hold their green color even after they’re technically mature.   … Read more

You know lemongrass is ready to pick when the stalks are thick, firm, and have a distinct lemony aroma when you bruise the lower leaves. That’s the short answer that most gardeners are looking for when they start growing this fantastic herb.   But knowing exactly when lemongrass is ready … Read more

You know lavender is ready to pick when the bottom two or three flowers on the spike have just opened, while the rest of the buds remain tightly closed.   This is the classic signal that your lavender has reached its peak essential oil content, which is exactly when you … Read more

You know horseradish is ready to pick when the roots have reached their full flavor potential, typically after the first hard frost in autumn. That frost is the secret trigger that sends the plant’s energy down into the root.   It’s the cold that converts the root’s stored starches into … Read more

You know kohlrabi is ready to pick when the bulb reaches about 2 to 3 inches in diameter, which is typically the sweet spot for the best flavor and texture. That’s the simplest answer, and it’s the one home gardeners rely on most. If you’ve been wondering how do you … Read more

You know honeydew is ready to pick when the rind changes from a pale green to a creamy yellow or ivory tone and the blossom end gives slightly under gentle pressure.   If you’ve been asking how do you know when honeydew is ready to pick, the trick is to … Read more

**You know habaneros are ready to pick when they have fully changed color and feel firm to the touch.**   You can tell habaneros are ready to pick by looking for a vibrant orange, red, or yellow hue, depending on your variety.   Most gardeners wonder how do you know … Read more

You know grapefruit is ready to pick when it feels heavy for its size, gives slightly to gentle pressure, and has a sweet, floral aroma at the stem.   But let’s be real, grapefruit doesn’t always change color the way you’d expect, so you can’t just rely on looks alone. … Read more

You know when fennel is ready to pick by checking its bulb size, stalk thickness, and the timing of its flower development.   If you’ve been growing fennel in your garden and wondering how do you know when fennel is ready to pick, the short answer is that it’s all … Read more