Horseradish: Dig up roots in the late fall or early the following spring.
Kale: Break off outer leaves when they are 8 to 10 inches long. New leaves will grow from the center of each plant for harvest throughout the growing season.
Kohlrabi: Pick when bulbs (thickened stems) reach 2 to 4 inches in diameter; depends on variety.
Leeks: Pull when leeks are 1 to 11/2 inches in diameter and before the ground freezes.
Lettuce: If growing leaves, pick when outer, older leaves are 4 to 6 inches long. If growing heads, pick when it is moderately firm and before seed stalks start. Leaves taken from either leaf or head lettuce can be harvested once the leaves are 4 to 6 inches long. New leaves provide a continuous harvest throughout the growing season, until hot weather may bring a bitter flavor and seed stalks begin.
Okra: Pick when young and tender pods are 3 to 4 inches long, but still bright green.
Onions: For green onion sets, pick when onions are 6 to 8 inches tall. Harvest any with round, hollow seed stalks when they appear. Continue
harvesting onions until all are used. Mature onion sets do not store well. If planted from seeds or plants, harvest when tops fall over and begin to dry. Pull with tops on and dry them in a protected place, cutting tops 1 inch above bulb for further drying.
Peas: Pick when pods are fully developed, but still green. Edible pod peas can be picked when pods reach near full size (about 3 inches) and before seeds show appreciable enlargement. If you only want seeds for eating, pick peas when seeds are fully developed, but pods are still fresh and bright green. For Sugar Snap and Sugar Ann peas,
pick when the pods are filled out.
Peppers: Pick when peppers are firm, good size, and appropriate in color. In 2 to 3 weeks “mature” green peppers will be fully ripe (green will change to red).
Potatoes: Pick when tubers are full size and skin is firm. “New” potatoes can be harvested at any size, but generally after the tubers are 11/4 to 11/2 inches in diameter. If you plan to store your potatoes, it is best to wait for the top of the plant to die, then dig up the potato.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services
