This year was my first attempt at growing some veggies and herbs. I think it went ok so far..but when do I pick the veggies?? I have carrots and Spinach (which I think i killed). The spinach leaves are not too big. help! moderator's note: added a more descriptive title to topic
Here is a non-answer to your question. Personal preference is really a huge part of picking vegies. It is also determined by "foodies" of which I have a few in my family. It is kind of like: do you like your edible pod peas older or younger? My husband likes his filled out. A friend only likes the sweet peas despite the fact they are for eating the shells and all. I like mine as just big enough, but no pea inside. I pick my spinach as often as possible, and the leaves wilt down when cooked so larger is always OK. Salads I like them small. Zucchini I like the blooms battered and fried. If they get to making a small zuke it gets grilled on the barbeque. Heaven forbid that it gets big because then I have to make zucchini bread...for the neighborhood. (Fall ones have kept for me for those winter bread making days.) Carrots, baby ones are delicacy, but so are larger ones for storing in the root cellar for winter. My fennel and lettuces I thin while small and eat in salads so that other plants can get larger and make major meals. I am out to harvest thyme and oregano that is blooming because I like having the flowers in my dried herbs in showing off in their clear jars. Whatever you do don't forget to eat and enjoy!
