Vegetable harvests can often sneak-up on us, so it helps to plan and process your vegetables with a number of practical techniques!
This article from the Prairie Homestead emphasizes the importance of preparation and organization to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the abundance of produce. In order to harvest, preserve, and store vegetables without requiring a lot of expensive canning equipment—which can be hard to come by or difficult to use—the guide provides a number of ideas and methods. Key strategies include planning around specific dates, monitoring crop growth and using harvests for meal planning: https://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2021/08/how-to-manage-your-garden-harvest-without-losing-your-mind.html
For an extensive guide on individual veggies and even more harvesting rules and tips, you can visit the Piedmont Master Gardeners: https://piedmontmastergardeners.org/article/guidelines-for-harvesting-vegetables/
And for a fun look at some history and myths of vegetables, there’s this article, written by Cornell University professor Steve Reiners. Here he dispels a number of urban myths and misconceptions about vegetables. It starts by dispelling the myth that green potatoes are fatally dangerous, emphasizing that although they do contain the toxin solanine, it would take a large quantity to make a person sick. The article also explores the history of the myth that carrots enhance vision, linking it to a deceptive British propaganda effort during World War II that hid the advancement of radar technology.https://cals.cornell.edu/school-integrative-plant-science/school-sections/horticulture-section/outreach-and-extension/pandemic-vegetable-gardening/pandemic-vegetable-gardening-2020-archive/vegetable-myths-legends-and-outright-lies
For in person learning opportunities with VINES, keep an eye on https://vinesgardens.org/events/.
