Fall is marked by changing leaves, cool weather, cozy sweaters, and carving pumpkins, but the traditional purpose of the season is the Fall Harvest! This is the time of year we reap the harvest of our hard work planting, watering, and fertilizing over the spring and summer months.
What is Harvesting?
Harvest comes from the Old English word for autumn, Haerfest, and means to reap, gather and store what has been grown. This season is associated with abundance and joy as it is the culmination of many months of hard work. Many cultures around the world celebrate this season with traditions and festivals, such as Thanksgiving, all rooted in gratitude for crops and food.
What fruits and vegetables can be harvested in the Fall?
Pumpkins: Pumpkins are fully ripe when they have a firm rind, and they have a robust color throughout. You can also tap on the rind and listen for a hollow thump. We have hundreds of pumpkins in varying colors and shapes to choose from grown locally in Bucks County on our farm.
Corn: Corn is ready about 60 – 80 days after planting. The best time to harvest is when the kernels produce a milky liquid. Peel back the husk and puncture a kernel to test.
Flint or native American corn comes in a range of colors including blue, white, and red. Its hard “flint-like” shells give the corn its name. While it is edible, this corn variety adds a beautiful pop of color to your outdoor fall décor or centerpieces.
Other fall crops: apples, zucchini, squash, beets, carrots, green beans, cabbage, kale, broccoli, celery, brussels sprouts grapes, pear, pomegranates
As you admire your picture-perfect pumpkin and mum display and sit back with your glass of warm apple cider, remember the farmers who labored to make this season possible! Looking to plan your own fall harvest next year? Stop into our garden center for all of the supplies you need to get started and talk to one of our experts about crops that thrive in the Bucks county soil and climate.
