This is the annual column where I tell you to get harvesting. What are you waiting for? The moose to do the job? If you are not already, start harvesting!
Some crops, in particular, are growing so fast now it may be hard to keep up. Once these set fruits, they stop producing, unless you pick the fruit and trick the plant. Peas, especially snap peas of all kinds, are in full supply at our house. Once a flower forms, it only takes a few days for that perfect pod to develop. Wait too long and yours will develop peas, but the pods will be a lot tougher. Pea plants require daily inspection right now.
Similarly, strawberries are ripening on their vines and if you don’t get them, something else will. Birds, squirrels, slugs or bugs! Better if it is you. Again, check these plants daily. And, look around for unripened berries. It is good to know where they are so you can check them for ripeness often.
For many, it is time to start harvesting broccoli. If you are new to the gardening game, don’t pull the plant to harvest its flowers. Use a sharp knife and cut off florets. New replacement flowers ones will grow in their stead. These too should be harvest in a similar manner so the main stem will continue to produce.
You would think the same would be true of cauliflower, but not only is it not ready for harvesting, these plants don’t operate like broccoli by regrowing flowers. You only get the one. However, now is the time to fold and clip the leaves around your plant to cover the flower. This allows it to “blanch” so it looks more attractive, i.e. something more like your kids will eat.
While on the Cole crops, don’t forget those kohlrabis. They are supposed to be harvested once they reach the size of baseballs, which is what I think they taste like, but that seems to be just me (I am not a baseball fan, either). If they get to the size of a softball, they get pulpy and decidedly less tasteful.
Next, I am betting your beets need thinning. That “seed” you planted was really a pod holding up to six seeds. You should harvest some of these plants and leave just one.
Hopefully, you have already started harvesting lettuces. They definitely taste best when young. Harvest the plants by cutting leaves above ground using a pair of sharp scissors. New leaves will appear. Consider planting more for the late harvests.
Radishes should harvested, too. Like kohlrabi, a too-big radish is a thing of pulp. You can plant a new crop if you want and if you really eat that many radishes. You can also let yours go to flower and let them develop seed pods. These are peppery and tasty fare for stir-frying.
Listen to the “Teaming with Microbes” podcast with Jeff and Jonathan White:
You may have herbs growing. When they look like the ones you, harvest them. Most are “cut above soil and they will grow again” type plants.
Garlic and onion harvesting depends on when you planted yours. Look for yellowing leaves. A sure sign that garlic should be pulled out of the ground is when the bottom two leaves die. Chives, of course, can be trimmed and used all season.
Greenhouse crops should also be ready. If you are not getting tomatoes, consider pruning your plants. And, make sure yours are getting pollinated. Either you vibrate the flowers or make sure there are pollinators in your greenhouse that will do the job. Open the door during the day.
Peppers should have fruits on them and some may be ready. Cucumbers and zucchini should be producing. Consider using some of the flowers in tempura meals if you have enough.
Finally, even if you don’t want the produce, there are plenty of people who need it. Plant a Row for The Hungry, remember, started here in Alaska. Take unwanted produce to someone who needs it: a neighbor, religious institutions, the food bank. No one in Alaska should miss up a chance to harvest and no one in Alaska should have to go to bed hungry.
Jeff’s Garden Calendar:
Alaska Botanical Garden: Classes, events, membership at alaskabg.org. Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (noon to 7 p.m. Sundays). Located at 4601 Campbell Airstrip Road.
Alaska Master Gardeners of Anchorage fall plant sale: This is a do-not-miss event. Aug. 10 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. in the parking lot of Benny Benson School (4515 Campbell Airstrip Road) next to ABG. These are the folks who know what they are doing and have great plants to sell.
Butter and eggs: Here they come. Pull yours now! Each presents hundreds of seeds.