5 Tips for an Efficient Fall Harvest
It's that time of year again, summer is over, and you can feel a crispness in the air, which can only mean one thing: it's harvest time! Now is when the busy season begins as the fruits of your labor reach their peak ripeness signaling picking time while winter and even some spring crops are back in season. With so much on your plate, it can quickly become overwhelming, but the amount of work ahead of you doesn't have to become all-consuming. With a few tips, you can ensure an efficient harvest that is (almost) stress-free, with results you can be proud of!
1. Ensure Full Maturity
Not every crop you plant is created equal; each one has a different length of DTM or days to maturity. It's vital to do your research when planting so you don't risk harvesting an over or under-ripened crop which can affect its storage ability and taste.
2. Monitor The Weather
There's nothing worse than harvesting during inclement weather; it makes an already complicated process even more challenging. In addition, many crops, like onions and garlic, which require a curing time, fare better when harvested from drier soils. Harvesting while it's raining or storming is not only miserable for you, but it puts excess dirt and mud on your crops, which will require them to undergo a more aggressive cleaning process before storage. Excessively cleaning the stuck-on muck can cause damage to your crops which will decrease their storage time and reduce your overall crop quality.
3. Beware Of Frost
Frost can damage your crops and cost you time and money, so harvesting before the first frost hits is crucial. While there are hardier varieties like cabbage and kale which can withstand the drop in temperature, you never want to leave sensitive crops like cucumbers, peppers, and tomatoes out too long. Fortunately, many of these more sensitive varieties are harvestable early and can ripen during storage.
4. Use Proper Storage
Even if you harvest your crop perfectly, it will all be for naught if you don't use proper storage facilities. Improperly storing your crop can lead to mold, rot, and spoiling, meaning you're out of luck for the months ahead. Doing thorough research and preparation beforehand can save you time, money, and frustration in the future and help ensure you have plenty of delicious vegetables to enjoy in the seasons to come.
5. Ensure Your Equipment Is Working Correctly
If your equipment isn't working correctly, you can't harvest your crop, so ensuring it is functioning up to par is essential. Before harvesting, check to see that everything is running and make any necessary repairs. A little time spent preparing will save you significantly in the long run!
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