The Cottage Smallholder

Photo: Harvesting bag

For years I’ve used carrier bags when out foraging. They are convenient and slip into a pocket – so if you unexpectedly come across some hedgerow treasure you have a bag for your bounty.

However, it’s difficult to keep the neck of a plastic supermarket carrier bag open so picking has to be one handed. Earlier this year I treated myself to this smart harvesting bag. The long strap means that it can be worn across the body, leaving two hands for picking. The opening at the top is rigid and less fruit falls to the ground than when fumbling with a soft bag. I gave it a test drive when I was picking our Morello cherries and it was superb.

The nifty design means that it can fold flat. Too big for a pocket but small enough to fit in the glove compartment of the car or in my cycling rucksack. The construction of the bag is a rubber mesh so that fruit can be washed in the bag.

I’ve also used my bag for weeding in a tightly packed border where there isn’t space for a trug. 

I bought my bag from Harrod Horticultural – taking advantage of their sale in the Spring. I’ve also spotted a similar harvesting bag on the Westfalia site but it is more expensive.

I’m strongly tempted by this natty fruit picker. So much fruit is out of reach on our trees – we can pick from other trees locally but we do want our fruit to be organic.  Comparing prices, Westfalia comes out on top for best price and has a sturdier linen bag (£19.00 for the picking bag and handle). But the reach is just half of the Harrod Horticultural one which is a staggering 5 meters. Has anyone out there used a pole ‘fruit picker’ sucessfully or is it just better to climb a ladder?