Fall Harvest Guide Leave a comment
Fall Harvest Guide: Timing it Right with Your Autumn Veggies in South Ontario Gardens
Hey there, fellow South Ontario garden enthusiasts! 🍂
Isn’t it just the best feeling when the fruits (or, in this case, veggies) of your labor are ready to be plucked from the earth and brought to your table? But, if you’re anything like me, you’ve probably wondered, “Is this squash ready?” or “Did I pick these beans too soon?” Well, fret not! We’re on this gardening journey together, and I’ve got the lowdown on when to harvest your autumn veggies right here in our lovely South Ontario region.
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*When to Harvest*: When they’re a deep, solid color (orange for most varieties) and the rind is hard. A good test? Press your thumbnail into the pumpkin; if it resists puncture, it’s ready!
*Pro Tip*: Always leave a few inches of stem when you cut it off the vine. It helps the pumpkin last longer, and let’s be honest, it looks pretty cute too!
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*When to Harvest*: When they’re firm and crisp but before you can see the outline of the seeds inside. They should snap easily when bent.
*Relatable Moment*: Ever left beans too long and they become bulgy and tough? Yep, me too. It’s like waiting too long to eat a chocolate bar and finding it’s melted. Such disappointment!
3. Brussels Sprouts: Tiny Cabbages of Joy
*When to Harvest*: When the tiny heads are firm, green, and about the size of a large marble or small golf ball.
*Fun Fact*: Did you know Brussels sprouts taste sweeter after a frost? It’s like nature’s way of adding a sprinkle of sugar!
*When to Harvest*: When the top of the beet (the “shoulder”) is peeking out of the soil and is about 5-8 cm in diameter.
*Personal Share*: The first time I harvested beets, I was so excited I didn’t even wait to cook them. Sliced them up, a dash of salt, and oh my, crunchy garden candy!
5. Broccoli: Green Trees of Goodness
*Community Wisdom*: My neighbor, Mrs. O’Hara, always says, “Broccoli waits for no one.” She’s right; when it’s ready, it’s ready!
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6. Carrots: Underground Surprises
*When to Harvest*: Carrots can be tricky since they’re hiding underground. A good sign is when the top of the carrot is about 2cm in diameter, or you can gently brush aside some soil to check.
*Gardener’s Confession*: I sometimes pick a carrot or two early. Baby carrots are tender, sweet, and perfect for snacking!
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In Conclusion…
Gardening in South Ontario is a joy, a challenge, and a community affair. We’ve all had our share of “Oops, I waited too long” or “Yay, this is the best pumpkin pie from my garden pumpkin!” moments. But that’s the beauty of it, right? We learn, we grow (literally), and we share.
So, the next time you’re in your garden, wondering if it’s time to harvest, remember this guide. And always know that in every corner of South Ontario, there’s a fellow gardener cheering you on, probably wondering the same thing.
Happy harvesting, friends! 🌽🥕🍅
Image credits: Amazon.ca
