When to Harvest: Why Morning is Best for Picking Your Crops!

There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of harvesting your own garden-grown vegetables and fruits. But did you know that timing is key to getting the best flavor, nutrition, and shelf life out of your crops?

Here’s why morning is the prime time to harvest:

🌅 Why Morning Matters

Overnight, plants rehydrate and recover from the stress of the hot sun. In the early morning, they’re full of moisture and nutrients. The cool, calm air also helps reduce wilting in leafy greens and tender fruits.
Picking in the morning helps preserve:

✅ Flavor – cooler temperatures mean sugars and flavors are more concentrated
✅ Nutrients – some nutrients degrade in the heat of the day
✅ Texture – crisp, snappy veggies!

🌞 Why Not Later in the Day?

As the sun rises, plants lose water through evaporation. By mid-day, leaves and fruits may start to wilt or become limp. This can reduce the quality of your harvest and shorten its shelf life.

🌿 Best Practice: How to Harvest in the Morning

1. Wait until dew dries slightly – harvesting soaking-wet plants can spread disease.

2. Use sharp, clean tools – snips or pruners make clean cuts and protect plants.

3. Handle gently – avoid bruising tender crops like tomatoes or berries.

🥕 A Few Harvesting Tips for Specific Crops:

• Lettuce & greens: Pick early before the sun makes them limp. If you are not going to consume these leafy greens quickly, follow this VIDEO so they don't wilt! CLICK HERE!

• Tomatoes & peppers: Harvest firm fruits in the cool morning.

• Herbs: Morning harvest preserves essential oils for peak flavor.

By harvesting in the early morning, you’ll ensure your garden’s bounty is at its absolute best. Enjoy the crisp, flavorful produce you worked so hard to grow!

Happy harvesting!