The edible parts of broccoli and cauliflower are the flower stalks and flower buds. Cut the broccoli stalk 6 to 7 inches below the flower head when the head is fully enlarged, but before the individual flowers begin to open. To keep cauliflower heads white, compact and smooth until they are full size and ready to harvest, tie the outer cauliflower leaves loosely over the heads when they are 2 or 3 inches across. Harvest edible-podded pea and snap bean pods when they are full size, but before the seeds inside have enlarged too much. Regular peas should be picked for shelling when the pods are fully developed, but still fresh and green.
Sweet corn is ripe when the kernels are fully rounded and still full of milky juice.
Peel back the husk a short distance to check the ears. Cucumbers are ready for pickling when they are between 1 and 4 inches long, or for slicing when they are near full size but are still bright green. Remove and discard over mature fruits regularly to keep plants productive. Firm, full-size green peppers are ready to pick, but wait an additional 2 or 3 weeks if you prefer ripe peppers.