Guest Contributor: Cassey Anderson, Horticulture Agent, Colorado State University Extension
Summer may still be in full swing for you or perhaps cold nights and frost/freeze are just around the corner. What do you do for the plants in your garden that are still producing and you want to save? Some can be left, some need to be harvested before getting hit by frost to be able to use/donate the produce. Others you may be able to eke out a little longer by practicing season extension options.
First, It Helps to Know the Difference Between a Frost and a Freeze
Before considering when to harvest it's important to define a few things. For example, there is a difference between a frost and a freeze. A frost is when temperatures reach between 28 and 32 degrees. A freeze, on the other hand, is when temperatures reach below 28 degrees. Knowing the difference between these can sometimes eke another week or even two out of your growing season.
These Crops Need to Come In Before the First Frost
Tomatoes
Tomatoes can be harvested once they have reached full size and begun to "blush" at the blossom end. If stored carefully inside they can often last several months. It's better to keep them at or just slightly below room temperature rather than refrigerating the ripening tomatoes. Green tomatoes that have not matured can be harvested and cooked as green tomatoes.
Peppers
Peppers can be harvested at any point in their growth; flavor develops as the fruit matures.
Cucumbers
Cucumbers will not tolerate cold temperatures so must be harvested and brought in from the cold.
Summer Squash
Tender summer squash cannot tolerate cold and must be harvested prior to any frost events.
Beans
Harvest all beans, even dry beans, before the risk of frost. Freezing may cause dry beans to dry and store poorly.
These Crops Can Wait Until Just Before a Hard Freeze
Winter Squash
If the rind has hardened to the point where a fingernail cannot make a mark, winter squash may be able to tolerate a light freeze but should be harvested and allowed to cure for winter storage before a hard freeze event.
Tender Herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme)
If leaving in the ground, harvest healthy leaves before a hard frost kills them.
Leafy Greens (lettuce, chard)
May be tolerant of minor freeze events but unlikely to survive without seasonal protection in case of a hard freeze.
Some Crops Can Stay in the Ground Well Into Winter With a Little Protection
Kale and Spinach
Hardy leafy greens like kale and spinach may tolerate very cold temperatures and with protection could continue to grow well into winter.
Beets
Beets can be left in the ground when well mulched for a month or two into the winter season. Very cold temperatures can freeze the tissue of the beet making for unpleasant flavors, so either mulch or harvest before very cold temperatures arrive.
Carrots and Other Root Crops
Root crops, like beets, can rest in the ground effectively for much of the winter. Be sure to mulch and protect the "shoulders" of the crop as freezing will make it unappetizing. Freezing temperatures can actually sweeten root crops such as parsnip.
Hopefully this list is helpful for how to plan your garden as the season wraps up and allows you to extend your donation season well into the fall!
As always, reach out to your local Extension office for further information if you have any questions.
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