We’re celebrating by joining forces with seven other bloggers for a month-long promotion. Each week, we’ll focus on a different theme, and in the final week, we’ll have some really cool giveaways. If you’re on social media, you can follow along using #organicharvest15.
I know many of you are right in the middle of harvest season right now. And while having a bumper crop is a blessing, it can also take up so much time and feel a little overwhelming. So today, I thought I’d share some harvest tips and a few of my favorite budget-friendly tools.
First, try to harvest daily—or at least every other day. If you don’t, you might lose produce to overgrowth or birds, especially this time of year. I also find that smaller harvests are easier to handle than big ones.
Harvesting in the morning is best. It’s cooler than the evenings, which makes it more pleasant, and the plants hold more water then. This is especially true for herbs.
There are so many tools out there that can make harvesting way easier. The good news? Most are simple to find and don’t cost much at all. Here’s my must-have list of super frugal gardening tools.
Remember, it’s okay if not everything gets harvested. I can’t even count how many cucumbers our chickens got this year. We can only eat so many, make so many pickles, and share with so many friends. I don’t see it as a waste to let the chickens enjoy some. I also let a lot of our greens and herbs go to seed—the bees love them, and I can collect the seeds later. So if you’ve had your fill of greens or just can’t keep up with the broccoli, it’s totally fine to let it flower and give the bees a treat.
You don’t need a ton of tools for harvesting, but a few key ones can make life a little easier.
My Go-To Harvesting Tools
I love using baskets for harvesting. I’ve picked up several at thrift stores just for the garden. One comes with me every time, holding my tools, while the others stay in the garage for bigger hauls. I also have a few rope baskets that help keep herbs separate, especially early in the season when I’m only picking a little at a time.
I also have some handmade bags that are perfect for gathering herbs. Each herb gets its own bag, keeping them neat and separated. We’re planning to stock some of these in our Etsy shop this spring!
When I’ve got a lot to harvest, I use a wheelbarrow. I still sort things into baskets but use the wheelbarrow to carry everything inside.
For cutting veggies off the vine, I usually just use a sharp pocket knife. I recently found this cool harvesting knife, but a basic pocket knife is still more versatile.
I also keep a set of pruners and garden scissors in my basket at all times—I bought them on clearance years ago. I grab the basket every time I head to the garden… just in case.
The “real” gardening tools in my basket are a trowel, a weeder, and a cultivator—all from a $1 clearance set. They’re not top-tier, but they get the job done, especially for the price.
For digging up potatoes and other root veggies, we just use a shovel. I’ve heard potato hooks work even better, but since my kids love digging, a regular shovel does just fine for now.
Last but not least… Sloggers. This year, I bought a pair, and I’ve been so happy with them. They’re easy to slip on and off, waterproof, and fully cover my feet (unlike clogs, which leave the back open).
And that’s it! No fancy gear—just practical stuff that works for harvesting, planting, and maintaining our garden and fruit trees. There are tons of gardening gadgets out there that might make you think you need a lot, but honestly, you really don’t.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Harvesting
1. How often should I harvest my crops?
It’s recommended to harvest your crops daily or at least every other day, especially during peak harvest time. Regular harvesting prevents produce from becoming overripe, attracting pests, or being wasted due to overgrowth. Smaller harvests are much easier to manage than large ones.
2. When is the best time to harvest?
The best time to harvest is in the morning, as the plants are cooler and retain more water. This is particularly important for herbs, as they are most fragrant and flavorful in the early morning.
3. What if I can’t keep up with my harvest?
Don’t worry if not everything gets harvested. Sometimes, it’s perfectly fine to let certain crops go to seed. For instance, letting greens or herbs flower can provide a treat for pollinators like bees, and you can collect seeds for next season. As for excess produce, consider letting animals like chickens enjoy some of it, or share with neighbors.
4. What are some budget-friendly tools for harvesting?
Here are a few simple, low-cost tools that can make harvesting easier:
- Baskets for collecting produce (thrift store finds work great).
- Handmade bags for gathering herbs.
- Wheelbarrow for transporting larger amounts of harvest.
- Sharp pocket knife for cutting vegetables off the vine.
- Pruners and garden scissors for detailed work.
- Trowel, weeder, and cultivator for basic gardening tasks (often found at clearance sales).
- Shovel for digging up root vegetables like potatoes.
- Sloggers waterproof garden shoes for comfort and protection.
5. Are expensive harvesting tools necessary for a successful garden?
No, you don’t need fancy or expensive tools to be successful in the garden. The key is to use practical and affordable tools that get the job done efficiently. Simple, multi-purpose tools can be just as effective, especially when purchased on sale or clearance.
6. Can I use regular household items for harvesting?
Yes! Many gardeners use household items like baskets, old bags, and even basic kitchen tools like sharp knives or shears to harvest their produce. It’s not necessary to have specialized gardening gear for a successful harvest.
7. How can I store or organize my harvest?
Using baskets and bags to separate different types of crops is a great way to keep everything organized. For herbs, it’s helpful to have separate bags for each type, so they stay neat and fresh until you’re ready to use them. Sorting and storing your harvest in this way makes processing and preserving your produce easier.
Conclusion
Harvesting doesn’t have to be overwhelming or complicated. With the right mindset and a few simple tools, you can manage your harvest efficiently and enjoy the fruits (and vegetables) of your labor throughout the season. Remember, it’s okay to let some plants go to seed or share your bounty with others—it’s all part of the joy of gardening. Keep your tools simple, and enjoy the process! Happy harvesting!
