Calculate harvest dates and expected yields for your garden crops
Successful gardening requires careful planning of harvest dates to ensure you pick crops at peak ripeness and maximize yields. Each crop has a specific number of days from planting to harvest maturity, and understanding these timelines helps you plan succession plantings, preserve harvests, and enjoy fresh produce throughout the growing season.
| Crop | Days to Harvest | Yield per Plant | Harvest Window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lettuce | 45-55 days | 1 lb | 1-2 weeks |
| Zucchini | 50-60 days | 10-15 lbs | 2-3 weeks |
| Cucumbers | 55-65 days | 8-10 lbs | 2-3 weeks |
| Beans (Bush) | 50-60 days | 1-2 lbs | 2 weeks |
| Carrots | 70-80 days | 0.5 lb | 3-4 weeks |
| Tomatoes | 70-85 days | 10-15 lbs | 4-6 weeks |
| Peppers | 75-90 days | 5-8 lbs | 3-4 weeks |
| Corn | 80-95 days | 1-2 lbs | 1 week |
| Potatoes | 90-120 days | 2-5 lbs | Anytime after maturity |
Temperature, sunlight, and rainfall significantly impact crop development. Cool weather slows growth while warm conditions accelerate it. Extreme heat or cold can delay harvest or reduce yields.
Nutrient-rich, well-draining soil promotes faster, healthier growth. Poor soil conditions can extend days to harvest and reduce overall yields. Regular soil amendments improve crop performance.
Different varieties of the same crop have varying maturity dates. Early varieties harvest sooner but may yield less, while late varieties take longer but often produce more abundantly.
Container gardens, raised beds, and in-ground gardens each affect harvest timing. Containers warm faster in spring but may stress plants in summer. Raised beds offer good drainage and earlier harvests.
Plant crops every 2-3 weeks for continuous harvests throughout the season. This prevents gluts and ensures fresh produce over months rather than all at once.
Pick crops when they reach optimal size and color. Overripe vegetables lose flavor and texture, while underripe ones lack sweetness. Regular harvesting encourages more production.
Store harvested crops correctly to extend freshness. Cool-season crops like lettuce prefer refrigeration, while tomatoes and peppers do better at room temperature. Proper storage prevents waste.
Check plants daily during harvest season. Many crops like zucchini and cucumbers grow rapidly and can become oversized in just a day or two. Daily monitoring ensures optimal harvest timing.
Given:
Calculation:
Result: Expect to harvest approximately 60 pounds of tomatoes starting July 29, with peak production of about 30 pounds per week over a 2-week period.