Radish Ready! Harvesting Quiz Quiz

Explore the basics of harvesting root vegetables with this easy horticulture quiz. Learn proper timing, tools, and techniques for gathering healthy root crops.

1. Identifying Maturity in Root Vegetables

   Which visual sign typically indicates that radishes are ready to be harvested in the garden?

   1. The shoulders of the radishes are visible above the soil surface
   2. Small flowers appear on the top of the plant
   3. The radish leaves turn completely yellow
   4. The stems become woody

   Explanation: Visible shoulders above the soil are a common sign that radishes are mature and ready for harvest. Yellow leaves can suggest aging or stress rather than maturity. Flowering generally means the plant is bolting and may be too late for optimal taste. Woody stems are not typical for correct harvest timing and may indicate overripeness.

2. Optimal Time of Day for Harvesting

   What is generally the best time of day to harvest root vegetables like carrots and beets to preserve their freshness?

   1. During midday
   2. At sunset
   3. Late at night
   4. In the early morning

   Explanation: Early morning is best for harvesting because vegetables are crisp and hydrated after the cooler night hours. Midday heat can cause wilting. Late at night is impractical, and at sunset, crops may have begun to lose moisture after a warm day.

3. Harvesting Tools Selection

   Which tool is most suitable for carefully loosening the soil around parsnips before pulling them from the ground?

   1. Leaf rake
   2. Garden fork
   3. Pruning shears
   4. Watering can

   Explanation: A garden fork can loosen soil around deep roots without cutting them, making it ideal for root crops like parsnips. Pruning shears are for cutting stems, watering cans add moisture but don't help loosen soil, and leaf rakes are used for clearing debris rather than harvesting.

4. Preventing Root Vegetable Damage

   If a carrot snaps in half while being harvested, what is the most likely cause?

   1. The soil is too compacted
   2. Choosing the largest variety
   3. Excessive watering immediately before harvest
   4. It was exposed to too much sunlight

   Explanation: Compacted soil makes it hard to pull roots out intact, leading to breakage. Too much sunlight might cause surface greening, not snapping. Excessive watering can cause cracking but usually not snapping. Choosing a large variety affects size, not structural integrity during harvest.

5. Storing Freshly Harvested Roots

   What is the recommended first step after pulling up freshly harvested beets to increase storage time?

   1. Store them immediately in a plastic bag
   2. Wash and soak them overnight
   3. Peel the outer skin
   4. Remove the leaves, leaving about an inch of stem

   Explanation: Removing leaves prevents moisture loss and decay, increasing beet storage longevity. Washing and soaking can encourage early rotting. Immediate bagging traps moisture, leading to spoilage. Peeling damages the protective skin, also reducing storage life.