Are you growing water chestnuts in Ohio, but don’t know when the best time to harvest them is?

Harvesting water chestnuts is not as easy as it seems.

Here’s why:

• Water Chestnuts very short window when they can be harvested and still taste great.

So if you harvest them too early they may not be ready and taste bad. And if you harvest them too late they may become infected with mold, fungus, insects, etc., and become inedible.

Today, I’m going to teach you the ideal time to harvest water chestnuts in Ohio:

• To Learn More About HOW to Grow Water Chestnuts, Check Out This GUIDE!

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When Do I Harvest Water Chesnuts in Ohio?

As you may have already guessed, there are two main factors that determine when you should harvest your Water Chesnuts: the physical features of the water chestnuts & weather (time).

Harvest Water Chestnuts if They Look Like This!!!

The physical features of water chestnuts are what most gardeners commonly rely on to determine if they are ready to be picked off the plant or not.

In general, you should harvest water chestnuts if they have the following physical features:

• The leaves of the water chestnuts are tall, long, and dark green in color.
• The water chestnuts vegetable is soft to the touch and is about 3 inches in diameter. It is a brown color.

Harvest Your Water Chestnuts During THIS Time of Year!!!

In general, you should harvest water chestnuts:

• 180 days after starting water chestnuts from seed
• 90 days after planting water chestnuts in your garden

And no matter what, you should ALWAYS harvest your water chestnuts before the first frost of the year. Frost will immediately kill your scallion plant and make your water chestnuts inedible.

For your reference, I have created this table for average frost dates for most major cities in Ohio. If your city is not listed below you can find its Last & First Frost Dates HERE.

Ohio Last & First Frost Dates

It should be noted that you should not overly rely on the first frost of the year. The average first frost of the year is only correct 30% of the time.

Instead, pay close attention to your local weather.

When you know a frost is coming you need to take action.

• If water chestnuts are in pots, bring them inside
• If water chestnuts are in the ground, cover them in burlap and hope they survive
• Pick all water chestnuts.

If you want to learn WHEN to harvest ANY Vegetable in Ohio, head over to HERE and just type in the vegetable you want to grow.