The month of July is one of plenty. Crisp cucumbers, sensitive courgettes, peppery radishes, and much more are now being produced in your garden after weeks of planting, watering, fertilising, and pulling weeds. Growing vegetables is vital, but so is understanding when and how to harvest them.
In addition to providing the greatest flavour and texture, harvesting at the ideal time lowers the risk of pests and disease, promotes continuous production, and keeps your garden in balance.
We at Yorkshire Seeds are committed to maximising each season for gardeners of all skill levels. Here is your comprehensive July guide to summer vegetable picking, along with expert advice on how to maximise your crop.
When to Harvest Courgettes (Zucchini): Courgettes grow quickly; in warm July weather, they can double in size in a day or two. When they are between 10 and 15 cm long, try to pick them. They are flavourful, soft, and sweet in this size.
Harvesting Instructions: Cut the fruit off the stem using a clean knife or secateurs. Steer clear of pulling or twisting, as these actions may harm the plant. Since frequent picking promotes new development, check plants every two to three days.
Pro Tip: Remove any large courgettes (also known as marrows) before they consume too much energy, but leave a few male flowers (the ones without the little fruit behind them) on the plant to draw pollinators.
When to Harvest Cucumbers: Cucumbers are ideal when they are young, just as courgettes. Harvest them when they are solid, dark green, and 15–20 cm long, depending on the type. They are overripe if one end begins to bulge or become yellow.
Harvesting Instructions: Use garden snips or scissors to cut the cucumber off the plant. To prevent the fruit from getting bruised, handle it carefully. To maintain the plant's productivity, pick it every few days.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest texture and greatest flavour, harvest cucumbers early in the morning. Additionally, keep in mind that if you leave overripe fruit on the vine, the plant will stop yielding!
When to Harvest Radishes: Radishes are ready three to five weeks after seeding since they mature quickly. The crowns of the roots ought should protrude from the ground. When the roots are 2-3 cm wide, harvest them.
Harvesting Instructions: Pull the radishes by their leafy tips after gently loosening the soil. They will turn woody and extremely spicy if you keep them in the ground for an extended period of time.
Pro Tip: Choose fresh radishes and store them in the refrigerator for up to a week because they don't keep well over time. Also delicious, the green tips are excellent in stir-fries or pestos!
General Advice on Harvesting
When the vegetables are cool, firm, and moist in the morning, harvest them.
- Utilise sharp, clean equipment to prevent disease transmission and plant damage.
- Pick sparingly and frequently to maintain plant productivity and save waste.
- Store vegetables correctly. Tomatoes prefer room temperature, while cucumbers and radishes should be kept in the refrigerator.
- Peels, trims, and overripe fruit are all compost leftovers that are repurposed in the garden.