When & How I Harvest Summer Vegetables For Peak Flavor

In this video I answer the questions of when should you harvest your vegetables including: tomatoes, eggplant, herbs, zucchini, cucumbers, corn, and peppers! It is important to realize that a lot of these can be harvest at many different periods throughout their growth but some, like corn, have only one harvest window. We will discuss ripeness and the spectrum of flavors you get a
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[@danfarkas5375]

I like that you guys have started to put text in the videos when you want to make a specific point.

[@irma_brenton]

Ditto

[@jacquesinthegarden]

It's a great way to fill in context we forgot to add at the time of shooting, glad you guys like it!

[@daisyblooms4813]

@@jacquesinthegarden We are little garden info sponges :-)

[@Nikki-mx5my]

Agreed, it is very helpful.

[@christybartolic6037]

Thanks for the info on herbs! It’s nice to know the flowers don’t change the flavor on most.

[@Nikki-mx5my]

Yes. To be honest, if I prune Genovese basil when I first see flower buds, I find the plant continues to grow and the flavor isn’t negatively impacted. In fact, I allow many of my herbs to flower intentionally for the pollinators.

[@anniebancroft1175]

Thank you for these harvesting tips!!!! YES, PLEASE do another on winter squash and late season crops!!!

[@judysocal8682]

I love the baby zukes, I call them fingerlings. They make a nice snack while you're in the garden harvesting. This video was perfect timing for me as the eggplant and peppers are coming on strong. As usual thanks, Jacques.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Haha fingerling Zucchini might be a genius marketing term to sell for double the price!

[@carolynrandle5454]

You can make sweet pickles out of the little cucumbers.gherkins.

[@sheliaheverin8822]

I'm very interested in the fall harvest series. This one was so informative.

[@yarnstead]

Agree! Would love more harvest info!

[@canhope1821]

Jacques, I just wanted to thank you for being so diligent and responding to questions posted by viewers in many of your videos. Really appreciate the time you take to review and respond to these!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I do enjoy the interaction!

[@KK-FL]

I grew an orange jalapeno this year from Baker Creek. It's so vibrant and prolific! I am so glad I learned about harvesting tomatoes at "first blush" because..... rats. And squirrels and birds. I want to build a tomato house out of hardware cloth and wood!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I've seen people do this to stop the pests, if my tomatoes were under a siege I would definitely do the same!

[@theinfinitemike1490]

I always just pick when they easily release from the plant, usually tomatoes come right off when they are ready

[@MacabreMole]

Your videos are ALWAYS so helpful. Thanks for giving us such good content, Jacques.

[@randyo6019]

Great content as always and thanks a million for newbies like me. My second year growing my own vegetables and I’m still somewhat clueless 😂

[@drummond06]

I recently tried two tomatoes, one ripened in my kitchen and one left to go soft on the plant, the difference in texture and flavour was very nioticable, much sweeter when left on the plant

[@jacquesinthegarden]

It can differ depending on a lot of factors but overall it's a great way to ensure you get your harvest still. I find that the flavor is essentially the same when harvested at 70% but I will harvest earlier if I will be gone or if I need to deep water and want to avoid cracking.

[@conroyburke4225]

Great content! You answered all the questions I have ever had about my garden vegetables and more. Thank you!

[@st2778]

Yes , please post more videos on the harvest of all that we grow. There is conflicting information about harvesting, and we need your wisdom. Thanks SO much 💚

[@sandralewis1689]

I really appreciate this. When to harvest has always been my biggest question. Love the tomato info especially!

[@jordan1048]

This helps a lot with my tomatoes. Thank you! It helps so much since you also are in SD. A miracle!

[@joellynshort3949]

I grew up on a farm in Michigan. Every summer my dad would plant a whole acre of sweet corn! In three sections staggered two weeks apart. We ate it every day for several weeks. Delicious. But the saying was, if you trip on the way into the house after picking corn, go back and get some more because it’s been off the stalk too long. 😂 Boil it for two minutes max. Crunchy and delicious!

[@julipolito7761]

Such great info crammed in this video, Jacque. Thank you! I almost need this video every year to remind me of when to harvest.

[@deborahmansfield4809]

You are a garden treasure of information and inspiration. Thank you 🙏

[@kristimcalister2880]

This!!!! I needed this content so much! When to harvest and ways to use it is so helpful! Thank you!!!😃😃😃😃😃😃😃

[@ponwajeechrans7372]

Looks really good and thanks for the information how to harvest them summer veggies. ❤❤❤

[@Playitagaindian]

Jam-packed with great info. Thank you!

[@amberslaton2819]

I needed this video so badly, thank you! Now going to see if you have a video on how you grow your tomatoes (trellis, trimming, etc).

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I got some on pruning and a few on trellising!

[@svetlacavaleri7071]

Such great info, thanks Jacques! Always wondered when's the right time to pick the eggplants:)

[@TDAEON]

Great video and perfect timing for me. First time growing zuccs and have two that i now know i should harvest.

[@aliciaokiegal]

As a savory treat, if we have a few extra flowers... we stuff with cream cheese or a chive or garlic cream cheese, bread it a bit and fry it in an iron skillet. It's great!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

So delicious!

[@conroyburke4225]

I love fried stuffed squash flowers. I drizzle them with sweet soy sauce. So delicious!

[@lsherylc2524]

I always learn so much from you!! Thank you, thank you!

[@oceanbreezesuburbanfarm]

Very helpful at this time especially as my Armenian cucumbers need daily harvesting. Thanks.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Those can be wildly prolific!

[@jenorth930]

Learned so much! Thank you Jacques

[@ctviera]

This was really helpful, Jacques. I appreciate your bringing the greater spectrum of possibilities and considerations into it. It's easy to go binary right/wrong vs more nuanced and your video really addresses that in a beautifully clear, exampled and stress relieving way. I also appreciate how you include ways one might prepare these as food at the various stages/sizes. Yes, a fall version would be helpful too. Thanks!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Very happy to hear!

[@christinelaauwe7335]

This was extremely helpful! If you do another one, can you include strawberries and bush/pole beans?

[@athomewithelisa]

I got so much from this video, thanks Jacque!

[@HomeHarvestCo]

Your garden is goals! I wish mine looked this amazing! 😍🌼

[@marymccormick7806]

Loved this video. Like the idea of experimenting at different stages. I’m primarily tomato-pepper grower. Great tomato picking tips. Thanks

[@bfb0716]

I am ordering the martian jewel corn thanks to your video. THANKS.

[@chongseitmooi2593]

Show more on harvested cuisine as d way you cook them❤

[@joycebovee5818]

Yes, I would love to see more harvesting videos.

[@nildaotero2933]

Excellent video Jacque. Lots of helpful info, thanks

[@ijahdagang6121]

I like your plants all are very beautiful..wish you success and be healthy

[@matthewmurray2438]

When he said “or you could cut it up and give it to your chickens… if you have them” he made a man who just lost his favorite chickens cry.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

😢 sorry to hear that

[@paulwilliams200]

I love your videos - so informative.

[@RayrayRaymond]

Hi Raymond from Trinidad Caribbean u have an awesome amazing garden mines lm building it back man so keep up the good work 💯💯💯💯

[@rachellemazar7374]

This was great and I would love to see the winter squash/melon video

[@vickibarana7635]

This was great! Learned so much about plants I am currently growing!

[@pnwexcso2939]

Useful to us rookies! 👍

[@erickangelcastro]

Great video J! Really needed this info! Can you make a video on how you cook/ prep some of these veggies like egg plant? To begin with, never really had it growing up. Started gardening this year and planted two varieties that of course I let get too big lol but I have only ate one ☝🏽 eggplant out of dozen harvested 😢

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Totally! I plan on doing a few series on using all of it!

[@brightantwerp]

Thank you Jacques! I was waiting for my chilli peppers to go red, but I will try some now.

[@rachelhenderson3275]

Birds and bugs are the worst in my yard. As soon as color starts to show, I take them in to fully ripen in the window and preserve them in the fridge until I get a good big batch to cook with.

[@808.ladybugs]

🌺Aloha Jacque, enjoyed your video. I've learned so much. Hopefully one day I can be as comfortable as you on camera and sharing good content too! Wow 20 minutes long so much info. This year I have so many shishito peppers and cucumbers, but loving it. Tomatoes I'm still working on it to get more to make sauce, this year I did all determinate, but I think the weather is stunting the growth of them.Your tomato harvesting tip I enjoy, you shared it several times on other videos and that's how I harvest whatever tomatoes is popping.We get lots of cherry ones and so far only two Romas...😥 Mahalo🌺

[@jacquesinthegarden]

At some point I just accept it's basically me talking to a friend (the camera) and then I act like I am trying to educate a friend asking me questions!

[@808.ladybugs]

@@jacquesinthegarden 🌺Mahalo, love it!

[@susanriggs8896]

Thanks for the great video! I think you must have taught at some point. Well organized presentation. Very helpful!

[@annduffy1356]

Thank you, this information was timely and very helpful!

[@jackiek4159]

Loved this! Thank you Jacque! 🙏🏻💚

[@kfaulknerstudio]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@PjMeh]

Patiently waiting the magical zucchini porch fairy to arrive! Calabasa con leché awaits! 💜

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Haha

[@GardenandGrub]

this was a super informative video. 🙌😁

[@jenniferkvarnes542]

Great video, Jacques! My daughter has asked for seeds for her birthday this year and she wants everything Jascques-y grows, haha

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Haha that's adorable! I wish her great success in the garden!

[@heatherpfeil2939]

Really helpful!

[@alexandragiroux6477]

Love this!

[@jenniferfisher2703]

Thank you great video! Zucchini is my absolute favorite 😍

[@ellenkuang8853]

Sriracha is made with fully ripe red jalapeno pepper! For those of yall trying to DIY your own instead of paying $120 for a bottle.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Great point and great use for them!

[@michaelarchambault217]

Our zucchinis got destroyed by bugs and disease this year so we're eating young green butternut squashes and I'm never going back to not doing this lol... it's so delicious!!! Next year I'm planting 5x more butternut and probably less zucchinis!!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

My favorite summer squash is actually "center cut squash" which is a butternut that has been bred to make extra delicious young green ones for harvest. It's so rich and delicious

[@michaelarchambault217]

@@jacquesinthegarden nice I'll look into it!!

[@HowdIEvenGetHere]

@@jacquesinthegarden how/where does one get this?

[@christopherrenn8137]

I have to harvest my cherry tomato's the moment they start to break, red/yellow.. i let my hens free range around my house. yeah.. they love em.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

The chickens do go crazy for tomatoes!

[@christopherrenn8137]

@@jacquesinthegarden and my soft baby greens, started some radish for the fall harvest and they ate all the tops lol. Gunna have to throw some cover on them to keep em alive lol.

[@michaelarchambault217]

I legit thought you were gonna cut into your hand when you cut the base of the corn in your hand with the pruners 😬 we're not in a rush while watching these chill videos so take your time lol

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Haha, I don't even think anymore when I cut stuff but it definitely stresses people out

[@zaarinsubah6778]

the urge to give jacques a manicure.

[@Живко_Енев]

I see a cup of kyopolou here 😉

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Oh yeah there is 👏

[@cropchopandgrow]

Hey Jacques! I have been growing in my Birdies Raised bed and in actual ground. I saw a Q&A video where someone got a soil test on their land and found heavy metals and whatnot. I wanted to get my soil tested for everything to make sure it's safe to grow in, is there a company you'd recommend for this? I got 15 LBS of potatoes im scared to eat lol Thanks! Love your videos!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I have used RXSoil before, I worked with them in January to test all my in ground soil for nutrient levels but they also have heavy metal testing. I have a link here: bit.ly/3XVwOM4 and if you use the code EPICGARDENING you also get 10% off the order. We would get an affiliate commission so heads up on that but I was very happy with their fast turnaround time, under a week from shipping out to getting results.

[@cropchopandgrow]

@@jacquesinthegarden that’s amazing and I’m for sure going to use it thank you!

[@kanonbravo7808]

8:43 let me get that.

[@KimB93105]

Can you tell the critter in my yard that ate my green plums and is now working on my Ace55 unripe, green tomatoes to leave them alone?😊

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Haha you got a smart or desperate one on your hands

[@Sainjl]

4:18 my tomatoes look like this, and I thought it had holes on the bottom and that insects got to them. So I picked a lot of tomatoes while they were still green. I don’t know what caused the wholes. I saw holes in the peppers also.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Sometimes the holes are pests and other times it's just unsealed blossom ends. Either way there is no harm in cutting around it and eating the sections unaffected by the hole. For peppers a hole is usually not recoverable as the inside will begin to rot but tomatoes scar over

[@Sainjl]

@@jacquesinthegarden copy, thanks!

[@lizprocopiou9944]

Hi, please suggest best way/stage to harvest cucumber for seed. I chose a cucumber at begining of harvest to grow big and full of seeds (was not sure if I would get cucs). It's big and yellow toned. Is it ready to cut, so plant may continue to produce?

[@jacquesinthegarden]

When it goes full yellow you should be able to harvest seed! You can wash them off and then plant right away or let them dry down at ambient temperature before planting.

[@paulm4875]

What king of growing zone you have?

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I am zone 10b in San Diego, so mild weather overall!

[@paulm4875]

@@jacquesinthegarden ohh that’s a perfect area. I’m from 7b, but never watching garden videos more than 6a. I’m your subscriber!!!

[@diablomom]

Question about tomatoes. I have a lot of flowers on all my plants but only one variety produced fruit. What did I do wrong? I planted San Marzano, Cherokee Purple and Chadwick Cherry. The Chadwick Cherry is the only one that produced.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

The cherry tomatoes are more forgiving in fruiting. The larger ones might take longer and depend more on ideal conditions. Do the san marzano and Cherokee purple get a lot of sunlight?

[@daisyblooms4813]

Have you tried tapping the flower stems to help with pollination?

[@diablomom]

@@jacquesinthegarden min 9-10 hrs. They are in large pots bc we are re-doing the yard.

[@diablomom]

@@daisyblooms4813 I haven’t but now I will!

[@queeng508]

coriander becomes cilantro when flowering??

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Yup!

[@cnst2657]

​@@jacquesinthegarden Cilantro is just spanish (and american-english) for coriander. It's a bit confusing for us non-americans when you call the seeds by the name we use for the whole thing :D

[@carolbeers4208]

See no leaves with tomatoes how is it they do not get sunburn

[@jacquesinthegarden]

They get some dappled shade and the vertical nature of the Florida weave means they get protection from the sun between 10-3 of so

[@Martini923]

Are they organic

[@jacquesinthegarden]

All organic grown, I don't use any synthetic fertilizer or pesticides

[@arcedavida]

Misread as pork flavor... 😅

[@Simply.KiraMarie]

Not me staring down my tomato plants that have no flowers, no tiny tomatoes, just green healthy leaves and about 2.5-3 feet tall. Might get a summer harvest from them by thanksgiving at this point. 🤡

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Sometimes they get stressed and drop flowers in the heat :(, tons of green foliage could be over fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizer as well

[@Simply.KiraMarie]

@@jacquesinthegardenI think it has been the heat/weather. I’m in desert area of riverside county. We went from all the non stop rain and cold, to June gloom where they barely put on any growth and by the time it warmed up just enough to put growth on we had nonstop 100+ degree days. It’s been brutal. Flowers on my tomatillos, peppers and cucumbers but nothings fruited. Tomatoes basically stopped doing everything except for living. Here’s to hoping I get at least 1 tomato/pepper/tomatillo lol.

[@bradcarby3765]

The best way to prepare eggplant is to throw them in a fire and then go back inside and cook something better.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Haha, it looks like I need to showcase a few methods here for everyone to understand!

[@JimA-pp2nu]

stop saying "actually" every other word! It's actually annoying

[@computeremail4670]

Simply not true about the tomatoes. You can't pick a tomato when it's orange and let it get deep red like it does on the plant. Color does affect taste. The deep red ripening that it does on the vine is a type of fermentation, like a grape does when left on the vine.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I personally prefer them at the stage before the fermenting begins but I agree that it is different

[@heatherfisk9670]

Yes, thank you! This is helpful for all gardeners but especially newbies. These subtle nuances of gardening are hard to come by. Wonderful!

[@xinnoondaily]

I Love this! We did something similar where we live out. This video actually gave us inspiration and hope that we can still become successful, thanks so much for this video.

[@lindajones9191]

This was incredibly helpful, and as a relatively new gardener, I'd welcome more videos on harvesting other things like the melons you mentioned. Thanks so much!!

[@elno4110]

Excuse me but you are not boring AT ALL. Epic Gardening and you are pure garden guys. I listened to this video and cancelled all my calls just because of how you explain everything. And yes I have my own garden and you harvested most of what I am growing. ❤❤❤🎉🎉🎉. I now have 2 fav channels

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Very glad to hear! Happy to have you watching! 🙌

[@HillCountryGardenGirl]

You are a fantastic educator. Thank you for sharing your passion with us. I always look forward to seeing your content.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Thank you!

[@michaelarchambault217]

I saw your tip last year about harvesting tomatoes the second they change color a tiny bit and have been harvesting them at that stage last summer and this year and that was like the best tip ever! I always have a ton of tomatoes ripening inside the house. Right on the kitchen counter

[@lupitacameron9693]

A very helpful suggestion. I beat the critters to enjoy my tomatoes when I followed this suggestion!

[@danfarkas5375]

I tried my shishitos when they were ripe (reddish/brown) this season. They are one of the sweetest peppers I've ever grown.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

They are so delicious at the red stage, completely agree!

[@martinaparrrish5397]

Thank you Jacques you are such a good teacher.Your show seems so well organised and fluent.

[@Gardenfnp]

Someone on one of my garden site recommend freezing zucchini or squash and then blending them into a tomato soup for a really rich flavor.

[@IjeomaThePlantMama]

Ohhhhhh good idea!!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Zucchini is also great grated up and added into pasta sauce, makes it creamier without changing the flavor much!

[@lissapowell967]

Your video was very helpful, particularly with harvesting tomatoes and eggplant. Here is a little tip to prevent corn ear worms (I'm from IN where they grow al lot of corn):. When the silks have developed but not have turned brown yet, take an eyedropper and drop mineral oil on the silks. It has always worked for us so I hope it works for you.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

It does work for sure! I tried it on a few but then never got back to it and decided to accept my faith 😂

[@Arcticdi]

WOW! 257K subscribers now. CONGRATS

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Thank you!

[@scottscriticalmass]

Appreciate the headers you added to portions of the video Jacques... and BTW, your content has always been great, but your presentation is now next level. Thanks for everything!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

I appreciate the kind words! Thank you!

[@sharonschedler7532]

One problem I have is when I buy a nursery start it often doesn't come with specific harvesting info. I need tips on spaghetti squash harvest. Thanks for the videos!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

This is totally true, If I knew about spaghetti squash I'd tell but it's never been my favorite

[@cynthiamarangoni5218]

Hi! Have you ever tried zucchini pie? My aunt made it with a large zucchini and it was surprisingly good! It is a sweet pie and cinnamon helps the flavor. I tried making it with small sized zucchini but I would use the football size instead.😂

[@emkn1479]

I have! It tasted just like apple pie. The recipe called for cooking the zucchini in a pan with lemon juice first, to impart some of the fresh tang of an apple. Everyone with a baseball bat zucchini should try it once.

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Woah that sounds fascinating and something you have to try to believe, will try to work it in this year!

[@emkn1479]

@@jacquesinthegarden That would be awesome! The texture is s little different, but if it’s sliced thin and cooked right it’s really sweet and tasty.

[@Janekgeddis]

ILOVE the extra context text!!! It is hard for my eyes to read however, because I’ve the contrast and small font size. But again I LOVE the additional text. AWESOME video as always, thanks Jacques

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Good to know, will try to adjust!

[@SDGardengirl5589]

Love your content! Great tips on the tomatoes, especially the Cherokee for me. What I really want to know though, is when can we expect the "revenge" video on Kevin for invading your garden? 😂

[@positiveworld-view8677]

J ..thank you for being just who you are ...inspiring ☮ 💖 🌼 m l

[@yarnstead]

Very helpful! I like how you got beyond the basics, particularly for eggplant which I’ve had such mixed luck with and now I know why!

[@pedromunoz4468]

Chat gpt helped me with my comment😅

[@sarahharvey2157]

Very informative! Can you do one next on how best to store them? I am not growing them myself this year, but I've got an awesome CSA that is keeping me loaded with produce! Would love your perspective on which are fine on the counter and which need to be in the fridge or need to be processed right away!

[@jacquesinthegarden]

Good topic!

[@christyw2010]

Fantastic video!! Your experience and knowledge is wonderful! Thank you 😊

[@stoneybrook57]

Best video yet on this topic! I hit subscribe immediately! Thank you!!!

[@olafyp7154]

Please make more with carrots and potatoes, or peanuts. Something underground