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Harvesting Tips For Watermelon and Corn on the Cob

You should wait to pick corn on the cob until the silk turns dark and starts to shrivel. If you peek inside at the kernels, they should be bright, plump and milky. This usually happens about 20 days after the appearance of the first silk strands.

To harvest, snap off the ears by hand with a quick, firm, downward push, then twist and pull. Corn is at its prime eating quality for only 72 hours before becoming overmature.

For a watermelon, there are a few signs that can help you determine if it is ripe. Many people tap on the fruit and listen for a dull thump. You can also look at the underside of the melon; if it’s turning yellow, it should be ripe. A third sign is the drying or shriveling of the stem near the base of the fruit. Remember, watermelons do not continue to ripen after harvesting, so try to pick them at the best time.

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