With Seasonal Harvest, we select three quarterly vegetables aligned with each season’s growing cycle. Through hands-on planting, tending, and harvesting, educators and students explore plant life cycles, seasonal rhythms in agriculture, and the rewards of growing fresh produce. Explore our monthly picks below and discover something new!
Seasonal Harvest
Seasonal Learning
Connect vegetables to each season’s natural growing cycle.
Hands-on Skills
Gain experience in planting, tending, and harvesting.
Plant Life Cycles
Learn how plants grow from seed to harvest.
Fresh Produce Rewards
Satisfaction of growing and eating your own vegetables.
Monthly Picks
July
August
September
Bell Peppers
Harvesting Tips:
- Pick when firm and fully sized (or leave on the plant longer if you want maximum sweetness).
- Cut the stem with scissors or pruners and don’t pull.
- Harvest every few days to encourage more fruit.
Eating Tips:
- Wash only right before eating.
-
Serve at room temperature for best flavor and crunch.
Tomatoes
Harvesting Tips:
- Pick when fully colored and slightly soft.
- Twist or cut the stem gently and don’t pull the tomato off the vine.
- Harvest every 1–2 days during peak season to encourage more production.
Eating Tips:
- Store ripe tomatoes at room temperature.
- Add a tiny pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
Cucumbers
Harvesting Tips:
- Pick when firm, bright green, and medium-sized.
- Cut or twist the stem gently.
- Harvest every 1–2 days during peak season to encourage continuous production.
Eating Tips:
- Keep the skin on for crunch and fiber.
- Store in the fridge in a loose plastic bag or wrapped in a paper towel.
Popular Recipes
Produce Library
| Produce | Best Harvest Month(s) | Notes | Video |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Summer (June-September) | Harvest leaves continuously |  |
| Bell Peppers | Summer to Fall (July-October) | Pick when full size and colored | |
| Carrots | Spring to Fall (May-October) | Sweeter after light frost | |
| Cucumber | Summer (June-September) | Harvest frequently | |
| Green Beans | Summer (June-September) | Pick young and tender | |
| Okra | Summer to Fall (July-October) | Daily harvest for best tenderness | |
| Peas | Spring to Early Summer (May-July) | Cool weather crop | |
| Radish | Spring to Fall (April-October) | Ready in ~30 days | |
| Squash | Summer (June-September) | Pick when small and tender | |
| Tomatoes | Summer to Fall (July-October) | Pick before fully red | |
| Tomatoes (Cherry) | Summer to Fall (July-October) | Pick before fully red | |
| Watermelon | Late Summer (July-September) | Pick when tendril browns and sounds hollow | |
| Zucchini | Summer (June-September) | Harvest often to encourage production |