Typical Harvest Time of Prairie Vegetables

So you’ve done some big picture thinking about your garden with the help of Six Questions Before Planning Your Vegetable Garden .  Now it’s time to dig a little deeper (gardening pun intended!).

garden harvest

This year, timing is the critical factor in my decision making.  Being away for 6 weeks in July and August narrows my choices of what to plant.  By comparing my schedule with the typical harvest time of common veggies, I can make better choices about what to plant and avoid planting veggies that will be ready to harvest while I’m away.

Here’s a look of when common veggies are typically ready to harvest in our prairie, zone 2b/3 climate.  Of course, there are early and late varieties and things like temperature, moisture, soil conditions, wind, planting time, weed control, and so on that will impact exactly when your veggies will be ready to harvest.  Remember,  “days to maturity”  is a best guess – it may be 2-3 weeks off!  Get used to it – that’s gardening!

June

July

August

September

RadishLettuceSpinach

Asparagus

Swiss Chard

Rhubarb

Garlic Scapes

Beet Greens

Onion Greens

Herbs – Chives

 

Peas (early July)Bush Beans (green, yellow, burgundy wax beans)Beets

Broccoli

Cucumber

Zucchini

Kohlrabi

Kale

Swiss Chard

Carrots

Cabbage

Onions

Herbs – Basil, Dill, Parsley, Cilantro, Thyme, Sage, etc.

 

Broad Beans
Pole Beans
Beets

Corn


Onions

Garlic

Sweet Peppers

Hot Peppers

Tomatoes

Cabbage

Carrots

Cauliflower

Celery

Cucumbers

Melons

Potatoes

Leeks

Summer Squash (zucchini, patty pan, etc.)

Herbs – Oregano, Thyme, Mint, etc.

 

CarrotsTomatoesPeppers

Dried Beans

Beets

Winter Squash (butternut, hubbard, spaghetti, etc.)

Pumpkins

Swiss Chard

Potatoes

Spinach (second crop)

Radishes (second crop)

Lettuce (second crop)

 

When I compare my schedule for the summer with this harvest schedule, it’s clear which veggies aren’t going to make it into my garden this year.

  • Peas
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Celery
  • Kohlrabi
  • Cabbage
  • Corn
  • Tomatoes (early varieties)

It’s tough to cut these great veggies from this year’s roster.   But, why plant peas if you can’t harvest them when they’re young, tender and oh so sweet.  And corn – well , we all know what overripe corn tastes like.

In addition to the harvest time, I also took into consideration the maintenance factor of some of these veggies.  For example, the crucifers like broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi, and cabbage may have harvest times that are a little more flexible, but based on my experience, they require more care prior to harvesting.  Asking my non-gardening husband to check on them, watch for things like flea beetles, root flies and cabbage moths, blanch any cauliflower heads by gently wrapping the outer leaves around the newly forming heads, or putting on row covers just didn’t seem like a wise move.  It’s best if I plant something equally delicious, requires less care and will be more likely to be ready for harvesting when I’m around.

I’m going to miss you my sweet peas, tender broccoli and garden fresh corn!

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