As garden harvest season approaches, local residents are encouraged to use proper harvesting techniques to ensure the best quality produce.
Experts recommend selecting vegetables at peak ripeness—for example, carrots should be medium-sized with smooth skin, green beans picked when pods are firm, and summer squash harvested while still tender. Tomatoes should be fully colored and fragrant, while peppers may be picked green or allowed to ripen for added sweetness. Proper washing and handling after harvest can help maintain freshness and flavor.
For those interested in preserving their harvest, Purdue Extension will host a Pressure Gauge Testing event on July 2 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Putnam County Extension Office. Testing should take about 20-minutes. Please schedule your appointment at https://tinyurl.com/putcan2026. Since accurate pressure is critical for safely canning low-acid foods, dial gauges should be tested annually. The event will offer testing for Presto canners with gauges (not weighted) for a $5 fee, and participants should bring their canner lid and gauge. Appointments are required.
In addition, gardeners and exhibitors can sharpen their skills at the upcoming “Getting Vegetables & Herbs Ready for Show” program on July 8 at 6:00 p.m. at the Putnam County Fairgrounds, York Auto Community Building – East. This hands-on session will focus on selecting, preparing, and displaying vegetables and herbs for exhibit. The program is especially geared toward 4-H members and Harris Hall exhibitors, though all are welcome. Youth under 18 should attend with a parent or guardian.
Together, these resources provide valuable guidance for making the most of the growing season—from harvesting and preserving produce to preparing award-worthy exhibits. Individuals with questions or concerns about the produce they are growing, are encouraged to contact Purdue Extension at 765-653-8411 or smith535@purdue.edu. As a reminder, when submitting questions, it is ideal if you can send a photo of the potential issue.
Visit our homepage at www.extension.purdue.edu/putnam or you can contact the local Purdue Extension Office by calling 765.653.8411 for more information regarding this week’s column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee. Purdue University is an equal access/equal opportunity institution. All times listed are Eastern Time.
Upcoming Events:
June 15 – Indiana Quality Assurance (IQA), 10 am, sign up on 4-H Online under the events
tab, fairgrounds
June 17 – Electricity Workshop for 4-H Youth, 1-3 pm, Extension Office
June 19 – Extension Office closed
June 22 – Securing the Future: Contingency Planning & Code Red webinar, 6:30-8:00 pm,
register at https://bit.ly/securingthefuture2026
June 29 – Securing the Future: Operating & Buy-Sell Agreements webinar, 6:30-8:00 pm,
register at https://bit.ly/securingthefuture2026
July 2 – Pressure Gauge Testing, 3-6 pm, $5, schedule your 20-minute appointment at
https://tinyurl.com/putnam2026
July 8 – Getting Vegetables & Herbs Ready for Show, 6-7 pm, Fairgrounds
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