Harvest
The plants are ready to be harvested. Now what? Find out the optimal time for picking or digging and how to preserve it all.
Harvest and Preserve
Harvest is the time when all the preparation and work you have put into the garden pays off. Depending on what has been grown it can last throughout the entire summer and into the late Fall. Canning, freezing or dehydrating garden grown goodness is a good way to save money and enjoy your crop throughout the year.
Note: Ensure you aren’t using any outdated techniques when canning.
Learn When to Harvest
Online Resources
- When Are Fruits and Vegetables Ready for Harvest on the PrairiesThis blog by Getty Stewart provides a harvesting chart and basic preserving instructions.
- Safe Food StorageDetailed storage information including freezing foods by the Government of Canada.
- Home Canning SafetyHome canning safety by the Government of Canada.
- Complete Guide to Home CanningThe United States Department of Agriculture has a detailed online guide for canning and preserving.
- Guide to Blanching and Freezing VegetablesGetty Steward's guide to blanching and freezing vegetables with a graphic resource available to print.
- Guide to DehydrationThe University of Minnesota Guide to drying food at home.
Preserving and Canning - eBooks
Canning in the Modern Kitchen by Publication Date: 2018Canning isn't just about putting food in jars and letting it sit and sit—it's about sealing in the taste of each season and making food from scratch with more interesting and unique flavors. (Also in Print collection)
WECK Small Batch Preserving by Publication Date: 2018Year round recipes for canning, fermenting, pickling and more. (Also in Print collection)
Foolproof Preserving by Publication Date: 2016Let the experts at America's Test Kitchen show you how to do it right with detailed tutorials, troubleshooting tips, equipment information, and insight into the science behind canning. (Also in Print collection)
The Food Dehydrating Bible; Grow it. Dry it. Enjoy it! by Publication Date: 2014An avid food dryer for years, Brett walks you through the simple steps for dehydrating everything from traditional classics like apples and jerky to more unusual fare.
Print Books
Growing Winter Food by Publication Date: 2019Essential guide for anyone who wants to maximize their garden's output all year round.· Sections organized by root vegetables, legumes, green vegetables, herbs, and garden fruits.· Detailed cultivation advice on each crop, along with nutritional value, recipe ideas, and storage suggestions.
The All New Ball® Book of Canning and Preserving by Publication Date: 2016This modern handbook boasts more than 350 of the best recipes ranging from jams and jellies to jerkies, pickles, salsas, and more-including extender recipes to create brand new dishes using your freshly preserved farmer's market finds or vegetable garden bounty.
Dehydrating at Home by Publication Date: 2015Dehydrating at Home is a practical guide to transforming perishable fruits, vegetables, meats, as well as nuts, seeds, herbs and spices into a pantry of nutritional wonders with a long shelf life.
And More!