When to collect gooseberries and how to avoid pricking yourself: do-it-yourself devices

Gooseberries are unpretentious and do not require special care. However, harvesting from this bush is somewhat difficult. First, it is recommended to study when gooseberries should be harvested. Can it be collected green? Secondly, the bushes have many needles that are easy to scratch. But, in order to avoid consequences, several safe devices are presented.

When gooseberries ripen in different regions

Depending on weather conditions, the time when gooseberries ripen in different regions of Russia is different.

Southern regionDue to the warmer climate, the harvest is already ripe by early JulyMiddle and European part ( including Moscow, Moscow and Leningrad regions)Ripation occurs in mid-JulySiberia, Ural

Place	Ripening period
Depending on the weather conditions of a particular year, the berry ripens by the end of July or the beginning of August

Optimal timing for harvesting

The timing of harvesting depends on the region of germination and the destination of the berries. For winter preservation, it is enough to use the most ripe berries. A distinctive feature is the increased size, slight sourness and elastic skin. "Consumer maturity" is expressed by the softness of the berries, the absence of crunch when biting and pronounced sweetness. Gooseberries are removed from the bush in stages, over a month, each time leaving small and unripe berries to ripen.

Can green gooseberries be harvested?

Sometimes, due to circumstances, it is necessary to decide on an emergency harvest. In this case, it is possible to collect green gooseberries. However, the berries should be light in color and large.

Does the berry ripen after picking?

Do gooseberries ripen after being harvested? Yes. The berry takes on its inherent softness and turns red.

Important! Keep the harvested berries under the necessary storage conditions.

Methods and methods of harvesting fruits

There are several popular ways to clear a bush. The choice of method depends entirely on the further use of the berries and on the care of the skin condition. The bush is covered with long and sharp thorns, so the question arises of how to properly collect gooseberries so as not to prick.

However, regardless of the chosen method, it is necessary to harvest not early in the morning, but at 10-11 o'clock in the afternoon, when the dew has already fallen from the berries. The lack of moisture allows you to keep fresh longer and does not allow the crop to ferment.

Manual

How to pick gooseberries by hand from a thorny bush? For safe collection, it is recommended to prepare special clothing in advance. The main condition is the presence of gloves and sweaters with long sleeves. Care is advised when handling bushes.

However, the described method is the most desirable, since the presentation, the integrity of the berries and all useful properties are preserved.

Mechanical method

Deemed safe for the gatherer, fast and convenient. The method is based on a mechanical, vibrating effect on the bush. To use the device you need:

• spread oilcloth or cloth under the branches;
• install the device;
• turn on vibration.

Among the disadvantages of this method of harvesting is a "dirty" harvest. Together with ripe berries, green, light debris and leaves also fall. Further sorting of the collection also takes a long time.

Comb method

The semi-mechanized method of harvesting, the "comb" method, is also widely developed. The method implies the presence of a "thimble" with centimeter teeth. The device is sold in garden stores, you can also make it yourself from wire or plastic.

During use, the branch is lifted with one hand, the other is drawn along it with a comb. The collection is also recommended to be sorted.

How to collect gooseberries so as not to prick?

How to collect gooseberries from thorny bushes and stay unharmed? It is recommended to follow a few simple rules:

• gather with protective clothing;
• use a gooseberry harvester - mechanical, comb or homemade;
• gently, without sudden movements, bend the branches.

Device for quick collection of gooseberries

To facilitate harvesting, it is recommended to use special tools:

1. Comb. It consists of a small box where the berries fall, and small teeth. To create a plastic base for the comb and mainly wood for the drawer.
2. Plastic bottle. It only needs to be cut properly to harvest it.

Picking berries with a plastic bottle

Collecting gooseberries with a plastic bottle is considered the least expensive, but retains all the necessary properties. Allows you to stay away from thorny bushes and harvest remotely.

How to make a device with your own hands?

It will not be difficult to build this device on your own. For this you will need:

• cut off the side of the bottle with uneven, pointed like teeth edges;
• hole should not exceed 4x4 centimeters;
• fix the long stick securely on the bottle.

Important! The stick should not cross the bottle in the middle, otherwise the berries falling down will be damaged.

Device collection technology

Collecting gooseberries with the help of the device is simple, it is not necessary to touch the bush. It is required to “dip” the berries into the opening of the bottle, pull a little, due to cutting with teeth, the stalk (tail) will come off and the gooseberry will fall into the bottle. When the container is half full, you need to pour it into a bucket.

How to save the harvest?

The only criterion for the preservation of the crop is the absence of additional moisture. If you plan to make conservation, you can immediately cover with sugar and refrigerate.

Care for gooseberries after harvest

After a full seasonal harvest, it is recommended to cut the bush, getting rid of excess "curly". Later (by mid-autumn), gooseberries need to be fed with fertilizers. These procedures will keep the future harvest large and he althy.

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