Welcome to episode two of 'In the Garden with Matt,' where you'll learn essential harvesting techniques for various veggies like spinach, kohlrabi, and lettuce. This episode emphasizes the importance of weed control and ongoing maintenance to ensure your plants thrive. With practical tips on when and how to harvest, viewers are equipped to maximize their garden's productivity. In addition, the content shares fun ideas, such as experimenting with a delicious beet leaf pesto recipe. Join Matt for a hands-on approach to successful gardening that inspires you to grow your own produce!

🌱 Welcome Back to the Garden! Ready to dive into the dirt and dig into some serious harvest and weed control techniques? In this episode, we’re talking all things harvesting—from spinach to kohlrabi—and tackling the ever-present battle against weeds that can steal your plant's nutrients and energy. So grab your gloves and let’s get to work!

🌱 Harvesting Techniques and Weed Control: The Essentials

We all know the feeling: that moment when your garden’s bounty is ready to be picked, but you also spot those pesky weeds trying to take over. It’s time to tackle both—harvest your veggies at the right moment and keep the weeds in check.

Let’s start with the harvesting process, making sure you get the most out of your plants while keeping things growing strong.

🌱 Effective Spinach Harvesting Techniques

In my garden, spinach, kohlrabi, and beets are all growing happily together in a 4x8 box, started back in mid-March. When it’s time to harvest spinach, here’s the secret: cut about halfway up the stems, leaving those smaller leaves to keep growing. Don’t rip out the whole plant! This gives your spinach the chance to regenerate, so you can keep enjoying it all season.

And, while you’re at it, make sure to remove any damaged leaves—healthy spinach = happy gardener. But be careful! Don’t disturb those beets mixed in with the spinach. We’re saving them for a beet leaf pesto later.

🌱 Kohlrabi and Radish Harvesting Tips

Now, let’s talk kohlrabi. This funky-looking veggie is best harvested when the bulbs reach 2-3 inches in size. Any bigger and they get tough and chewy (not the good kind). Just grab the base and yank it out of the ground, then twist off the leaves to make peeling easier.

Radishes? You’ll want to harvest those as soon as they’re peeking above the soil. Wait too long and they’ll get too tough and start bolting. And don’t forget—plant radishes in succession for a steady supply.

🌱 Weeding and Harvesting in Harmony

Weeding and harvesting go hand in hand in the garden. As you’re picking your veggies, make sure you’re also pulling out any unwanted grass and weeds that might be trying to crash the party.

For kohlrabi, after you’ve harvested, cut the leaves down to create room for new plants. Spinach loves a bit of shade, so growing it under kohlrabi is a win-win. And lettuce? Pick the outer leaves when they’re at least 4 inches tall to keep the inner ones growing and fresh.

For lettuce, remember: leave about half an inch above the ground to promote regrowth and keep those pests at bay. You can also cut the whole thing down if you want a full harvest all at once.

🌿 Practical Weed Management Tips

Weeds are the ultimate party crashers, but don’t worry, I’ve got a trick to keep them at bay. Use cardboard (make sure it’s non-glossy and tape-free) as a weed blocker. Lay it down in the garden, then cover it with some clean, undyed wood chips to keep the weeds from creeping in.

Give it a quick spray with water to help it all stay in place, and you’ve got yourself an easy, natural way to manage weeds. Don’t let them hang around too long, though—remove them quickly to stop them from stealing nutrients from your plants.

🌱 Wrapping It Up

Whether you’re harvesting spinach, pulling kohlrabi, or keeping those weeds under control, remember—it’s all about giving your garden what it needs to thrive. Stay consistent with your care, and you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful harvest.

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