Having a functional backyard garden that produces fruits, veggies, herbs, and other produce is heaven. It takes all the pleasures of being in a cultivated yard space and adds in the joys of eating fresh foods. Though many gardeners end up with a surplus of certain foods and can let their leftover home-grown goods go to waste, forgetting that most fruits and vegetables keep for months if stored correctly.
There are plenty of ways to store and preserve garden produce, and keeping a running supply of homegrown goods is a great way to stay connected to your garden during the long winter months. So here are a few tips to help you store and preserve your garden’s extra produce.
Harvesting
Harvest season is the best time of year for home gardeners. You’ve seen your goods grow, and now you get to pluck them from the soil, vine, or branch. Over time, you’ll develop a sense of when a fruit or vegetable should be picked, but you can always follow a localized guide on when to harvest your produce, too.
For preservation purposes, it’s best to opt for harvesting slightly early rather than late. That’s because the structural integrity of the fruit and vegetables starts to break down after they reach their peak ripeness.
Washing
When preparing garden produce for preservation, you need to be extra diligent about the way you wash your fruits and vegetables. That’s because any bacteria that remain will have plenty of time to reproduce and can become harmful. There are many produce washes that serve to ensure all bacteria and pesticide residue are removed from your harvest.
Once you’ve assembled your extra fruits, vegetables, and herbs, start by washing your own hands first – our hands are in contact with bacteria almost 24/7 and can contaminate your goods. Next, you’ll need to wash off any visible dirt on your produce with running water and a bit of elbow grease. Once you’ve got most of the soil off, use a vegetable brush to thoroughly scrub any firmer produce, like potatoes or carrots. Finish the process by drying your produce off and taking it to your cold, dry storage area.
Refrigerating
For storing produce for several weeks to a month, a refrigerator is a great option. They are cold, dark, and allow you to control all kinds of factors like humidity and temperature. Just be sure you’re aware of how long your produce will likely keep for, so you can avoid it going bad.
The storage life of produce in the refrigerator varies by item and the way it’s stowed. Here are some general guidelines for common foods:
- Leafy greens (such as spinach or lettuce): Five to seven days;
- Berries: Three to seven days;
- Carrots: Up to three weeks;
- Apples: Up to four to six weeks;
- Broccoli: Three to five days;
- Grapes: Up to two weeks;
- Bell peppers: One to two weeks.
Produce like potatoes and tomatoes are exceptions to this list and should actually be stored at room temperature. Generally, tomatoes last two to five days on the counter, and potatoes can last one to two weeks at room temperature, especially if stored in a cool, dark, ventilated place.
For produce stored in a refrigerator or a crisper, you need to make sure that your fridge isn’t too cold, or you’ll risk freezing your produce instead of chilling it. When you freeze your veggies, the cell walls inside them break down, and you’ll end up with “mushy” veggies that taste awful.
You can fix a fridge that freezes quite simply by double-checking your temperature gauge and ensuring that the air vents are not being blocked and the seals on your fridge aren’t leaking. It’s a good idea to “trial” your fridge with a few carrot sticks before you put all your harvest into it.
Preserving: Pickling, Fermenting, Canning
If you’re planning to store your garden goods for a longer period of time, glass mason jars are the holy grail of produce preservation. You can make jams and jellies, pickle your veggies, or even ferment things like cabbage and okra. Each fruit or vegetable has its own particular method to ensure that you get the most flavor from the preservation process, and you’ll need to follow a trusted recipe to ensure that your food stays safe.
Making your fruits and vegetables into jams and jellies is a little easier than fermenting and requires far less time, effort, and money than canning. There is no universal recipe for jams and jellies, and you’ll need to find the balance among fruit, sugar, and acid. Most good jamming guides use around one-fourth to three-fourths cups of sugar per pound and a tablespoon of lemon juice to go along with it.
To properly store canned or jarred produce, keep items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A consistent temperature helps preserve flavor and shelf life. Always check expiration dates and rotate older items to the front.
If kitchen space is limited, adding extra cabinetry is a great way to maximize space. Just be sure you’ve properly measured your cabinets and are aware of standard metrics first. A sleek, tall 84 by 24 by 12-inch cabinet can serve as an excellent pantry addition. Housing preserved produce directly in your kitchen ensures it will stay at an optimal temperature and also makes for easy access.
Sustainability
Spending time in your home garden has many benefits, and growing some of your own produce is a great way to take steps towards sustainability in your daily life, as it reduces reliance on commercially farmed goods, cuts down on transportation emissions, and shrinks packaging waste. Properly preserving fruits and vegetables – through canning, drying, or freezing – also extends their usability and minimizes food waste.
Sustainable choices don’t need to be overwhelming. Even growing one or two produce items can make a meaningful difference by reducing grocery costs and encouraging healthier eating. For example, growing your own herbs like basil or mint can provide fresh flavor year-round without the need for store-bought plastic containers. Small-scale gardening also connects you to the food you eat and supports a more eco-friendly lifestyle.
So plant with confidence, even if you only have a small garden space, and don’t worry about what to do if you have extra fresh fruits and veggies. Storing and preserving your garden produce doesn’t have to be difficult. Simply ensure that you clean your harvest thoroughly and plan ahead to properly store it, so you can enjoy it with your friends, family, and neighbors for the coming weeks and months.
