Winter Harvesting – Green Light New Orleans Blog

WINTER HARVESTING

ARUGULA, CILANTRO, COLLARDS, EARLY MIZUNA, KALE, LEAF LETTUCE, MUSTARD GREENS, PARSLEY, and SWISS CHARD – Cut outer leaves at the base when they are big enough to eat. Always leave at least 1/3 of plant leaves to allow plants to continue growing.
BUTTER (LIMA) BEANS, (POLE & BUSH varieties) – Harvest when the bean pods are bright green, young and tender!
KENTUCKY WONDER POLE BEANS—Harvest every 3-5 days once they start producing. Bean pods can be up to 8” long!
PROVIDER BUSH BEAN—Harvest when 5-8” long and when the diameter is about the size of a pencil.
BEETS – Pull from the ground after about 65 days.
CARROTS – Harvest when they are big enough to eat. This variety usually takes about 70 days to reach maturity! Watering before harvest can make pulling them out easier.
CUCUMBER – Use a pair of sharp scissors to cut your cucumber off its vine when it reaches 6 – 8 inches. Harvest often to keep your plant producing!
NASTURTIUM- Pick the flowers and leaves to add a peppery taste to salads!
RADISH – This variety of radish can be harvested after just 26 days!
TURNIPS – Will be ready to pull out of the ground in about 55 days!
SHELLING PEAS –When pea pods are 3-4” long, pluck or cut from the vine. They must be shelled before eating!
BROCCOLI-Cut heads from the plant, taking at least 6 inches of stem, when the buds of the head are firm and tight before the heads flower. If you do see yellow petals, harvest immediately.