Cucumber Harvest | Know When to Pick Cucumbers

Cucumber Harvest | When to Pick Cucumbers

Last updated: 05/30/20

One day my parents said they would visit us at lunchtime. Tim and I were excited and we started planning. They just love crunchy cucumbers and there was Tim’s garden so that was fine. 

About lunchtime, we heard the car. I had a last look at the table and, Oh no, The cucumbers were not on the table! With scissors in hand, I ran out, clipped four firm-ripe cucumbers, sliced them, and dashed to the table. Phew! That was exactly when to pick cucumbers, I told myself.

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When to Pick Banana Peppers | The Ripe Guide

When to pick banana peppers

When To Pick Banana Peppers | The Ripe Guide

Last updated: 10/31/21

You can pick banana peppers all season long, but if you wait for the right time to pick them, you’ll be rewarded with sweeter, more flavorful peppers. Picking them early in the season before they start flowering is the key to picking a flavorful banana pepper.

We’ve talked before about how you can use this technique to boost the flavor of other vegetables, but this is our favorite time of year to pick banana peppers.

Most gardeners relish in the moment of harvesting their vegetables like tomatoes and banana peppers. It’s equally crucial to know when to pick your banana peppers plant because their flavor depends on it. If you pick them at the wrong time, you lose that unique flavor.

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Growing Radishes In Containers | Master Growing Guides

growing radishes in containers

Growing Radishes in Containers | Master Guide

Last updated: 05/21/20

Want to grow radish plants and harvest radishes that you can eat within a month.  Yes! 

Radishes are one of the crops that are easy to plant and just take a couple of weeks to be ready for consumption. 

The radish plant (raphanus sativus) belongs to the Brassicaceae family together with broccoli, mustard, cauliflower, cabbage, and turnip. Growing radishes in containers come with a lot of benefits.

I will take you through all you need to know about growing radishes in the container. Its on the early vegetables every gardener should get in their pot. You will be enjoying a fresh radish crop for your spring and summer salads.

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How Do Mushrooms Reproduce | Grow Them Today

how do mushrooms reproduce

How Do Mushrooms Reproduce

Last updated: 05/17/20

Mushrooms can be pretty easy to cultivate if you better understand their life-cycle.

However, without the knowledge of how they mature, it might be a bit difficult for you to grow them properly, especially in the quantity you might want.

Knowing about mushroom reproduction will invariably help you to provide them with the best growing conditions and also maintain and/or improve the quality of your strains as they grow.

So, how do mushrooms reproduce its delectable fruiting body?

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Growing Edible Mushrooms at Home | Gourmet Guide

growing edible mushrooms at home

Growing Edible Mushrooms At Home | Gourmet Guide

Last updated: 05/15/20

I used to hate fresh mushrooms until I tasted something better than the sour canned oyster mushrooms that line the shelves of grocery stores.

I ate fresh shiitake gourmet mushrooms, the edible ones at a friend’s and these was surprisingly fresh and delicious.

My friend was growing gourmet mushrooms.  The fancy gourmet ones you get in the high-end grocery stores. You know the oyster mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, & everything else in between.  I decided to grow edible mushrooms too.

And since I started to grow mushrooms at home, I’ve also become a really big fan of these nutritiously delicious fungi crop that I now have them anytime I want them.  

Maybe you want to start a small mushroom farm for growing.  Start small first by growing many different ones the easy way.

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Best Types of Beets To Plant In Your Garden

best types of beets

Best 19 Types of Beets To Plant In Your Garden

Las updated: 06/08/21

Beets are one of the most widely grown root vegetables in the world, but the majority of these are grown commercially and not in home gardens. Beets can be grown from seed and thus are an excellent choice for a home gardener, but there are a variety of other options available to you depending on your environment.

Beets are generally easy to grow and can be planted earlier in the season than most of the vegetables you’ll encounter in the garden. Beet roots can grow in a variety of different environments, from full sun to partial shade and with different exposures to the wind.

French chefs subsequently saw its cuisine potential and used beets as a side dish. From that time the beet gained a permanent place on the menu.

This list of the best beets to grow will get you some ideas of the different ones to plant in your garden.

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How Long Do Strawberries Last | Expert Storage Tips

how long do strawberries last

How Long Do Strawberries Last | Best Storage Tips

Last updated: 02/04/20

When you hear the name of strawberries, you think ​of the roundish fruit that you ​drop in your mouth and savor its delicious ​taste. We get so engrossed in eating it we usually don’t bother to ask how long do strawberries last.

Strawberries are a delicate fruit that does not ​have a long shelf life.

Strawberries can be preserved and enjoyed for longer periods if you take caution about the methods that you choose to store it. 

​Storage Method​Shelf Life
​Room Temperature​2-3 days
​Fridge​1-2 weeks
​Cooked Strawberries​5 – 7 Days
​Frozen Strawberries​6-12 months
​Pickled Strawberries​2-3 weeks
  • Properly stored strawberries will last 2-3 days at room temperature.
  • Freshly harvested strawberries will last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
  • Cooked strawberries will last for approximately 5-7 days in the fridge.
  • Frozen strawberries will last for 6-12 months in the freezer.  
  • Pickled strawberries last for about 2 weeks if pickled, canned, and stored in a refrigerator properly.

You will discover the shelf life of strawberries, plus learn some tips on how to make strawberries last longer.

​As always, use your best judgment when trying to determine when something is no longer edible or safe to eat. 

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How Long Do Blueberries Last | Best Preserving Tips

how long do blueberries last

How Long Do Blueberries Last | Best Storage Tips

Last updated: 10/30/21

Blueberries are touted as being one of the wonderful fruits of our times, packed with vitamins C and K and antioxidants for vibrant health, blueberries are so vital we should really be asking ourselves, “How Long Do Blueberries Last”.

Blueberries shelf life has many factors that come into play. 

The shelf life is dependant on how your prepare and store them:. 

  • Freshly harvested blueberries will last for 1-2 weeks in the fridge.
  • Properly stored blueberries will last 2-3 days at room temperature.  
  • Cooked blueberries will last for approximately 4-5 days in the fridge.
  • Frozen blueberries will last for 6-12 months in the freezer.  
  • Pickled blueberries lasts for about 1-3 weeks if pickled, canned, and stored in a refrigerator properly.

You will learn all about just how long blueberries last, plus some tips on how to preserve blueberries to last longer.

Our suggestions are based on the premise that you properly follow the practices of food preservation.

As always, use your best judgment when trying to determine when something is no longer edible or safe to eat. 

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How Long Do Pickles Last | Best Storage Tips

how long do pickles last

How Long Do Pickles Last | Best Storage Tips

Last updated: 02/02/20

Pickles are a favorite snack that we love to have in our homes. You might be curious as ask just how long do pickles last.

Our ancestors did not have the luxury of having a refrigerator or freezer to store all of their harvest. 

If you garden and grow cucumbers..you might know that cucumbers come out like gangbusters once they start growing.

Pickles’s shelf life really depends on the many ways & methods that you choose to store it. 

  • Pickles in a jar will last 1-2 years if left unopened
  • Pickles will last for 12-18 months in the fridge if opened.
  • Fermented pickles will last 1-2 years
  • Frozen pickles will last for 2-12 months in the freezer.  

You will discover the shelf life of pickles, plus some tips on how to maximize your pickle storage life.

Our suggestions are based on the premise that you properly follow the practices of food preservation.

As always, use your best judgment when trying to determine when something is no longer edible or safe to eat. 

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How Long Do Tomatoes Last | Best Storage Tips

how long do tomatoes last

How Long Do Tomatoes Last | Best Storage Tips

Last updated: 01/30/20

Tomatoes are technically a fruit, one that does not have an indefinite shelf life.  You might be wondering just how long do tomatoes last.

We answer all those questions, plus give you some of the best tips to store & prepare them to last longer.  Proper techniques will really help when you are trying to preserve tomatoes.

Tomato’s shelf life is really dependant on your careful preparation and shelf storage practices.  

Oxygen, moisture, temperature and light are typically the 4 common spoilers with any food.  Keep all of these limited and you will make them last longer.

Here are some common storage times

  • Ripe tomatoes will last 7-10 days at room temperature, unripe tomatoes will last an additional 2-5 days depending on how ripe it is
  • Ripe tomatoes will last for 5-10 days in the fridge
  • Cut tomatoes last about 3-4 days in the fridge
  • Canned tomatoes last for 12-18 months
  • Frozen tomatoes will last for 3-6 months in the freezer
  • Cooked tomatoes will last for approximately 4-6 days in the fridge
  • Pickled tomatoes lasts for about 4-6 months if pickled, canned, and stored in a refrigerator properly

Right-from-the-garden tomatoes don’t exist year round, so many of us have to depend on stores for our vegetables and fruits. 

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How Long Do Lemons Last | Extend Shelf Life

how long do lemons last

How Long Do Lemons Last | Extend Shelf Life

Last updated: 01/29/20

Lemons are a fruit that is best serve chilled in a glass if you ask me.  You might be asking question of how long do lemons last, so you can best store them.

We have all the details, plus a way to preserve them Morroccan style. Lemons shelf life is contingent on the many ways & methods that you choose to store it. 

Here are some of the approximate times of common storage practices:

  • Properly stored lemons will last 3-4 weeks at room temperature 
  • Freshly harvested lemons will last for 1-2 months in the fridge
  • Cut lemons last about 3-4 days in the fridge
  • Frozen lemons will last for 4-5 months in the freezer
  • Cooked lemons will last for approximately 3-4 days in the fridge
  • Pickled lemons lasts for about 4-6 months if pickled, canned, and stored in a refrigerator properly

You will learn about the shelf life of lemons, plus some tips on how to make lemons last longer.

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How Long Do Apples Last | Epic Storage Guide

how long do apples last

How Long Do Apples Last | Epic Storage Guide

Last updated: 01/28/20

Apples’ shelf life is decided by several variables, as there is usually no specific date for its sale, and the only date you go by is the day you purchased or picked them. It still begs the question of how long do apples last.

  • Properly stored apples will last 2-5 weeks at room temperature. 
  • Freshly harvested apples will last for 5-9 weeks in the fridge
  • Frozen apples will last for 9-12 months in the freezer
  • Cooked apples will last for approximately 5-7 days in the fridge.
  • Pickled apples lasts for about 4-6 months if pickled, canned, and stored in a refrigerator properly.

Apples are amongst the world’s best fruit and they can be consumed right from the tree or used in lots of ways due to their minimal cost, confirmed health benefits and longer shelf-life. 

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How Long Do Sweet Potatoes Last | Top Storage Tips

how long do Sweet potatoes last

How Long Do Sweet Potatoes Last | Best Storage Tips

Last updated: 01/27/20

Sweet Potatoes are a root vegetable that does not last forever.  It still begs the question of how long do sweet potatoes last.

Sweet Potatoes’s shelf life is contingent on the many ways & methods that you choose to store it. 

  • Properly stored sweet potatoes will last 3-5 weeks at room temperature
  • Freshly harvested sweet potatoes will last for 2-3 months in the fridge
  • Cooked sweet potatoes will last for approximately 7-9 days in the fridge
  • Frozen sweet potatoes will last for 6-8 months in the freezer 
  • Pickled sweet potatoes last for about 2-3 weeks if pickled, canned, and stored in a refrigerator properly

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How Long Do Avocados Last | Tips to Avoid Spoilage

how long do avocados last

How Long Do Avocados Last | Tips to Avoid Spoilage

Last updated: 01/27/20

To engage in an avocado spending spree and buy as many as you want is not an issue, it’s the task of preserving them that poses challenges and we need to ask the question, How long do avocados last?

Avocados shelf life is contingent on the many ways & methods that you choose to store it.

  • Avocados will last 3 to 6 days at room temperature before they ripen
  • Freshly harvested avocados will last for 6-10 days in the fridge
  • Cooked avocados will last for approximately 6-12 days in the fridge
  • Frozen avocados will last up to 4 months in the freezer

Freshly harvested fruits & vegetables will last much longer than what you grab in your local market.

You will learn about the shelf life of avocados, plus some tips on how to make avocados last longer.

Our suggestions are assume that you properly follow the practices of food preservation.

Use your best judgment when trying to determine when something is no longer edible or safe to eat. 

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How Long Do Oranges Last | Top Storage Tips

how long do oranges last

How Long Do Oranges Last | Top Storage Tips

Last updated: 01/25/20

Oranges are a fruit that you don’t need to eat right away after harvesting.  Many still question of how long do oranges last because you don’t want them to go to waste.

Oranges shelf life is dependant on the many ways & methods that you choose to store it. 

  • Properly stored oranges will last 2-3 weeks at room temperature. 
  • Freshly harvested oranges will last for 1-2 months in the fridge.
  • Cooked oranges will last for approximately 3-4 days in the fridge.
  • Frozen oranges will last for up to a year in the freezer.  
  • Canned oranges lasts for about 12-18 months if canned, and stored properly.

We give you the details about the shelf life of oranges, plus some tips on how to make oranges last longer with some preservation tips.

There is more to just storing oranges in your food pantry.  You will learn the many different ways to extend orange’s shelf life.  Our suggestions require that you properly follow the practices of food preservation.

As always, use your best judgment when trying to determine when something is no longer edible or safe to eat.

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How Long Do Onions Last | Best Onion Storage Tips

How Long Do Onions Last

How Long Do Onions Last | Best Onion Storage Tips

Last updated: 10/31/21

Onions are a root vegetable that does not last forever.  It still begs the question of how long do onions last.

Onions’ shelf life is contingent on the many ways & methods that you choose to store it. 

  • Freshly harvested onions will last for 1-2 months in the fridge.
  • Properly stored onions will last 2-3 months at room temperature.  
  • Cooked onions will last for approximately 7-9 days in the fridge.
  • Frozen onions will last for 2-12 months in the freezer.  
  • Pickled onions lasts for about 4-6 months if pickled, canned, and stored in a refrigerator properly.

You will learn about the shelf life of onions, plus some tips on how to make onions last longer.

There is more to just sticking onions in your food pantry.  You will learn the many different ways to extend onion’s shelf life.  Our suggestions are based on the premise that you properly follow the practices of food preservation.

As always, use your best judgment when trying to determine when something is no longer edible or safe to eat.

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Can You Grow Corn in a Pot?

grow corn in pots

Can You Grow Corn In A Pot?

Last updated: 10/31/21

At first glance, the question of, “Can you grow corn in a pot” raises a challenge to people like me.

You see I never grew up in the bread basket section of the US.  My experience as a city dweller limited some of my capabilities to plant corn.

This gave me a unique outlook, so I embarked on experimenting with this myself

But is it really possible to grow corn in a pot isolated from those that grow in large fields or in your own backyard garden?

The answer is yes, it’s definitely possible and it can also be a highly gratifying experience.

This gardening method requires personal effort to ensure the successful planting, caring and harvesting of the corn plants. 

It offers planters the excitement of watching the plants grow individually, the satisfaction of successfully nurturing them.

Seeing them flower and bear their ripe and nutritious cobs.

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Do Carrots Need Full Sun?

do carrots need full sub

Do Carrots Need Full Sun?

Last updated: 10/31/21

Do carrots need full sun is a question that many seem to ponder. 

Yes, they do because they are a winter crop, and they need as much sun as they can get.

Growing a few may seem difficult, but with just a little huff and puff, you can grow plenty for months of storage.

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How Long Do Carrots Last | 7 Ways to Know & Make Them Last

how long do carrots last

How Long Do Carrots Last | Best Storage Tips

Last updated: 01/27/21

Carrots are so tasty when you grow them yourself or if they are fresh to the market.  You can take certain precautions when you store carrots in order for them to maintain their taste and nutritional value.

Even Bugs Bunny took care of his carrots to make them last longer, or maybe he just ate them quickly.

You will learn the shelf life of carrots, plus some tips on how to make carrots last longer.

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How Long Do Potatoes Last | Tips to Maximize Shelf Life

How Long Do Potatoes Last | Tips to Maximize Shelf Life

Last updated: 10/31/21

Potatoes are such a good crop that can last well into the winter should you take the proper precautions with storage.

They are very nutritious and easy to cook.

Its no wonder why Americans love their spuds.  Everything from french fries to baked potatoes.

You will learn the shelf life of potatoes, plus some tips on how to make potatoes last longer.

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