Fellow gardeners! By now, you might be eagerly watching your garden for the first signs of harvest. There’s something incredibly rewarding about tasting the fruits (and veggies) of your labor fresh from the soil. In this blog, I want to discuss early crop harvesting and some reliable varieties that you can pick regularly throughout the season.

Why Early Harvesting?

Harvesting early crops isn’t just about beating your neighbors to the first bite. It’s about encouraging your plants to keep producing while enjoying fresh flavors before the heat of summer slows things down. Early harvested veggies and fruits often have a sweeter, more delicate taste that’s a joy to savor.

Strawberries: Perfect for the Picking 

Strawberries are one of my favorite early crops. The trick to a long, juicy strawberry season is picking the right varieties and harvesting them early and often.

Recommended Varieties:

‘Earliglow’: This one is a classic. It’s one of the earliest varieties to ripen and has a wonderfully sweet, classic strawberry flavor. Perfect for that first taste.

‘Seascape’: A day-neutral variety, which means it keeps producing berries throughout the season rather than just a short burst. A great option for continuous picking.

‘Albion’: Another day-neutral favorite, with large, firm berries that hold up well for fresh eating or baking.

Tip:

Pick strawberries when they’re fully red. They don’t continue to ripen off the plant like some fruits do. Regular harvesting encourages the plants to produce more berries. And don’t forget to watch out for birds and pests—netting can save your crops!

Peas: Sweet Snaps to Pick and Enjoy 

Peas are another early treat that can be harvested regularly. They’re quick to mature and burst with freshness in the early season.

Varieties to Try:

‘Sugar Snap’: A classic snap pea variety, sweet and crunchy. You can eat the whole pod — a real treat straight from the vine.

‘Little Marvel’: A reliable shelling pea that produces abundant pods with a tender, sweet interior.

‘Oregon Giant’: These snow peas give you flat, edible pods that are perfect for stir-fries or snacking fresh.

Tip:

Peas like to be picked young and regularly. Waiting too long makes them starchy and tough. Check your plants every couple of days once they start flowering to catch the pods at their best.

Lettuce: Quick to Harvest

Lettuce is a superstar for early harvesting. It loves the cool weather and can often be ready to harvest just a few weeks after planting.

Varieties to Try:

‘Buttercrunch’: A tender, buttery leaf lettuce that’s both heat-tolerant and slow to bolt. I like to harvest the outer leaves regularly and let the plant keep growing.

‘Romaine’: Crisp and sturdy, great for Caesar salads, and grows well in cooler weather.

Harvesting Style:

I’m a fan of the “cut and grow" method. Instead of pulling the whole plant, snip the outer leaves and leave the center to keep producing. This way, you get fresh greens not just one time but for weeks.

Final Thoughts 

Early harvest crops like strawberries, lettuce, peas, or radishes are some of the most rewarding plants to grow. They’re fast-growing nd keep your kitchen stocked with fresh, homegrown produce. Choose the right varieties and don’t be shy about picking often.

If you’re just starting out, try planting a mix of these varieties and experiment with harvesting techniques. You’ll be amazed at how much you can enjoy your garden from early spring well into summer.