COLUMBIA, S.C. — Despite chilly temperatures, WLTX's Gandy's Garden is full of life. "South Carolina's Weatherman," Jim Gandy, stopped by to help harvest.
A variety of winter crops, including two types of kale and Swiss chard, were harvested.
Jim Gandy emphasized the importance of timing in harvesting.
"When is it the right time to harvest? There's a judgment involved," he said.
Signs of maturity, such as firmness and color, are observed. Weather conditions and forecasted temperatures are also considered to ensure optimal freshness.
Gandy offers a simple tip: "When it gets as big as what you see in the store, it's time to harvest."
Each step in the harvesting process is essential for preserving the quality of the produce, Gandy notes. "If you're not harvesting the whole plant, if you're just going to take a few leaves, this applies to lettuce, cabbage, or kale. You want to take the outside leaves and clip them off first because the plant grows from the inside out. And so, as you clip off the outside leaves, the inside leaves then become outside, and more of the plant begins to grow."
The vegetables were grown locally at the station, adding to their appeal.
If you want gardening tips and other plant and flower advice, join the Gandy's Gardeners Facebook page! You can share pictures of what you're growing, which you might see on a future newscast on News19.