Proper harvest time key to quality vegetables

When to pick a peck of perfect peppers?

That’s a twist on an old tongue twister, but seriously, how do we know when to harvest the veggies we’ve worked so hard to raise?

We’re way past the fond memories of late winter and early spring, when we filled little peat pots and seed trays with cucumber, squash, tomato, pepper and who knows how many other type seeds, and carefully placed them on the window sill or in the sunroom. We did the prayer dances that assured us that the frost was gone for good as we placed the tender plants in the warming ground.

Now, after weeks of weeding, fertilizing and watering, we wonder, when are they ready for plucking?

Even though your veggies are homegrown, it’s no guarantee of quality if you do not harvest at the proper time. You can check your seed packets for time to maturity, but that is only an average and is variable depending on your situation.

Today we will give you a way to determine the optimum harvest time for some commonly grown vegetables, but keep in mind, many of the plants we call vegetables are technically fruits (tomatoes, cucumbers, summer squash and others).

The most frequently homegrown food plant in the United States is the tomato. It’s true the flavor of homegrown tomatoes will always top the ones from the grocery store. The trick is to pick them at the right time – size is no indication of maturity. Leave them on the vine until the color (whether red or yellow) is uniform – the flavor will be better. The tomatoes should be firm with just a slight give when squeezed gently.

If you are growing summer squash (also known as zucchini), whether yellow or green, smaller is better. Harvest these guys when they are 4 to 6 inches long and the rind is easily dented with your thumbnail. They will be far more tender and tasty than if you allow them to grow too large.

Pick your perfect peppers when they are firm and shiny, regardless of size, with even coloring, whether they are green, red, purple or whatever.

Potatoes are easy to grow, and you can harvest “new” potatoes when they begin to flower. If you don’t want to dig them early, wait until the tops die down. Let them dry a little bit before brushing off the dirt and bring them into the garage or the house to cure for a week, then store them in a cool, moist dark place. Don’t let them sit in the sun; it will turn them green and bitter. If there is only a little green on them, you can peel them deeply before using.

Green (snap) beans can be picked when the pods snap readily but tips are still pliable, before the beans inside begin to bulge. Smaller is better with these veggies, as the larger they grow, the tougher they get, and who wants tough beans?

Cucumbers are best when they are medium sized with good green color, firm, and the spines are just beginning to soften. Cucumbers will get pithy and bitter if allowed to grow too large.

For a more complete list of harvesting information, call or visit the Master Gardener Plant Clinic (222 N. Havana St., 477-2181) and ask for handout CO149 (or find it on the Master Gardener Web site – www.spokane-county.wsu.edu/spokane/eastside). Guess what – it’s free!