August Harvest Guide: Learn the Ripeness Signs and Correct Harvesting Methods for 7 Seasonal Fruits
August is a bountiful month for fruit lovers, offering a variety of delicious and ripe produce to enjoy. Here are seven fruits that are at their peak ripeness during this month, along with helpful signs of ripeness and harvesting tips.
Key August Fruits and Their Ripeness Indicators
Watermelon
- Heavy for size
- Dry brown tendril near stem
- Yellow spot where it rested on the ground
- Dull skin color
- Hollow, resonant sound when tapped
- Slightly soft blossom end
Peaches, Nectarines, Plums
- Full, vibrant color
- Slight softness near the stem when gently pressed
- Fragrant aroma
Blackberries
- Rich dark color (turned fully black from reddish)
- Fruit detaches with core attached when gently pulled
Blueberries
- Fully blue with no white or green tips
- Comes off bush easily when picked
Figs
- Soft texture, drooping neck
- Slightly wrinkled skin
- Easy to detach from branch
Grapes
- Firm, plump berries with rich color depending on variety
- Slightly sweet taste when tested
Apples (Rockit)
- Firm and crisp
- Fully colored with typical apple aroma
Harvesting Methods for August Fruits
Watermelon
- Cut from the vine with a sharp knife or pruning shears; do not pull it off. Clean skin gently with soapy water before storing at 50-60°F. Eat soon after harvesting.
Peaches, Nectarines, Plums
- Pick when fruits come off easily with a gentle twist or pull. Check regularly as not all fruits ripen simultaneously.
Blackberries
- Harvest regularly once ripe; wear gloves unless thornless. Net plants to protect from birds if needed.
Blueberries
- Pick ripe berries by gently tugging; check bushes regularly for uneven ripening.
Figs
- Pick when soft to the touch; handle carefully to avoid bruising.
Grapes
- Cut bunches with pruning shears to avoid damaging the vine; handle clusters gently to prevent crushing.
Apples (Rockit)
- Pick when firm but fully colored; these are small, sweet apples ideal for fresh eating.
Additional Harvesting Notes
- Many fruits like berries and stone fruits do not continue to ripen significantly after picking, so timing is crucial for peak flavor.
- Repeated harvesting every few days in August ensures picking fruits at their prime.
- Use clean, sharp tools and gentle handling to avoid damage and extend shelf life.
- Some fruits like watermelon require cutting from the vine while others like berries come off easily.
August is truly a prime month for juicy, flavorful summer fruits, each with unique visual and tactile ripeness cues and harvesting requirements. Enjoy the bounty of the season!
[1] Gardeners' World [2] The Spruce Eats [3] Fruit Street [4] BBC Food [5] Garden Betty
- After learning about the various August fruits and their ripeness indicators, visitors can switch their focus to enhancing their home-and-garden lifestyle by growing these fruits in their backyards.
- Aside from enjoying the juicy, flavorful fruits in August, homeowners can also appreciate the lifestyle benefits of a home-and-garden filled with vibrant, bountiful produce.
