Seasonal Harvest Guide
Know what to pick, when to pick it, and how to store your crops
Friendly, Canadian advice for gardeners of all levels. From spring greens to fall root vegetables, we’ve got you covered.
Do you know how I know when my potatoes are ready?
When I see the first potato lying in the grass.
The squirrels have beaten me to it again, tossing tubers around like confetti. So, I grab my bucket and head out to reclaim what's rightfully mine. Every potato I pull from the soil feels like a tiny victory—a reminder that hard work (and a little friendly competition with the local wildlife) pays off in delicious homegrown food.
That's my gardening philosophy: I don't overthink things; I just watch and say, "Next year, I'll beat you to it!" It hasn't happened yet! :)
Speaking of surprises, I was pleasantly shocked to discover I can actually grow melons in Zone 6, but we'll save that story for another day. :)
Pick tender greens and early radishes when leaves are crisp. Check daily for bolting.
Harvest beans, peas, cucumbers, and zucchini regularly to encourage more production.
Keep an eye on tomatoes, peppers, and squash. Pick before the first frost.
Root crops like carrots, beets, and turnips can stay in the ground until needed. Cover if frost is expected.
Clean and dry produce before storing. Use cool, dark, ventilated spaces for long-lasting crops.
Spring Harvest
| Crop | Harvest Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lettuce | May - June | Tender leaves, pick regularly. |
| Radishes | May - June | Fast-growing, harvest as soon as roots are ready. |
| Peas | June - July | Pick pods daily for best flavor. |
Summer Harvest
| Crop | Harvest Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tomatoes | July - September | Pick when fully colored for peak taste. |
| Beans | July - August | Harvest frequently to encourage growth. |
| Zucchini | July - August | Pick small for tenderness. |
Late Summer Harvest
| Crop | Harvest Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Corn | August - September | Silks are Brown and Dry |
| Peppers | August - September | Harvest fully colored. |
| Eggplant | August - September | Pick medium-sized for best texture. |
| Squash | August - October | Pick before frost. |
Fall Harvest
| Crop | Harvest Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Carrots | September - November | Cover if frost is expected. |
| Beets | September - November | Harvest regularly. |
| Turnips | September - November | Best after first light frost. |