Fruiting Plants: How to Grow & Harvest

Learning how to grow, prune, and harvest fruiting plants like tomatoes, peppers, and strawberries is essential for getting the best yield and flavor. In this guide, we’ll cover how to care for fruiting plants at every stage—from supporting early growth to knowing exactly when to harvest for peak ripeness.

1. Wait for true leaves: Once your seedlings have at least one set of true leaves (not just the first seed leaves), it’s time.

2. Choose the strongest: Look for the healthiest, most upright seedling.

3. Snip, don’t pull: Use small scissors to cut the weaker seedling at the base. Avoid pulling it out—it could disturb the roots of the one you’re keeping.

Tip: It might feel tough to cut a healthy-looking sprout, but remember—this small step sets up your garden for a stronger, more productive grow.

• Natural pollination: Vext's fans move air around the flowers to support natural pollination.

• Shake lightly: Tapping the plant lightly once a day can improve pollination and boost fruit set—especially useful during peak flowering.

• Watch the color: Ripe fruit shows a deep, even color—no pale patches or green tips.

• Check the feel: A ripe fruit is firm but has a slight give when gently squeezed.

• Taste one: Your palate is the best test. If it tastes great, it’s ready.

• Snip or twist gently: Use clean scissors to cut the stem just above the fruit, or gently twist to detach. Avoid pulling—it can damage the plant.

• Harvest regularly: Fruiting plants ripen in waves. Check every few days to pick them at their peak.

• Only take what’s ready: Leave under-ripe fruits on the plant to develop more flavor.

• Prune for airflow: Remove yellowing leaves and extra shoots that crowd the plant. This helps light and air reach the fruit and keeps the plant focused.

• Fruiting plants love long, bright days—your Vext handles this automatically.

Fruiting plants thrive in Vext with just a bit of regular care. Watch for ripeness, harvest gently, and let the built-in systems support healthy growth. With a little help—like a light shake to aid pollination—you’ll be enjoying vibrant, homegrown fruits straight from your cabinet.

Simple, fresh, and delicious. Just the way it should be.