Time to Harvest!

Hey there! I know it may seem early but depending on what you grow, harvesting your plants can start anywhere from the beginning of the summer all the way through the fall. Harvesting from your home garden can be a really cool experience! Not only can you enjoy fresh produce, but you can also take pride in growing your own food. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your home garden harvest:

1. Harvest at the right time: Different plants have different harvest times. Some plants, like tomatoes, should be harvested when they are fully ripe, while others, like lettuce, should be harvested when they are still young and tender. Make sure you know the best time to harvest each plant in your garden. Right now I have been busy picking lettuce and even a few pea pods that are ready.

2. Use the right tools: Some plants, like tomatoes and peppers, are easily damaged if you pick them by hand. Use a pair of pruning shears or scissors to harvest these plants. If I don't have scissors with me, sometimes I just use my fingernails and try and pinch the vine. For other plants, like lettuce and herbs, you can simply pick them by hand.

3. Store your harvest properly: Some fruits and vegetables, like tomatoes and peppers, can be stored at room temperature for a few days. Others, like lettuce and herbs, should be stored in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. I like to keep two bowls around during the summer, one on the counter and one in the fridge. This helps me keep organized but also not forget about the fresh produce I have.

4. Preserve your harvest: If you have more produce than you can eat, consider preserving it for later. You can freeze fruits and vegetables, make jams and jellies, or can your produce to enjoy throughout the year. One of my favorite ways to preserve my vegetables is to make pickles! Me and my grandmother combine all of our cucumbers and make delicious bread and butter pickles that I get to enjoy all year long.

5. Share your harvest: If you have more produce than you can use or preserve, consider sharing it with friends, family, or neighbors. Not only will you be spreading the joy of fresh produce, but you'll also make sure no produce goes to waste. In the summer when my garden is in full production mode I often find myself making little bags of produce and bringing them whenever I'm visiting friends and family.

Harvesting from your home garden can be a really fun experience. I always love seeing what I have and finding new recipes to use them in. Some of my favorites are chocolate zucchini bread, stuffed peppers and fresh tomato bruschetta. Happy harvesting!