When and how to pick gooseberries correctly so as not to inject yourself

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

When do gooseberries ripen in different regions?

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

Optimal timing for harvesting

The timing of harvest depends on the region of germination and the purpose of the berries. For winter canning, 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 the course of a month, each time leaving small and unripe berries to ripen.

Is it possible to harvest green gooseberries?

Sometimes, due to circumstances, it is necessary to resolve the issue of emergency harvesting. In this case, it is possible to harvest the gooseberries green. However, the berries should be light in color and large.

Do the berries ripen after picking?

Do gooseberries ripen after picking? Yes. The berry acquires its characteristic softness and turns red.

Important! Keep the collected berries in the required storage conditions.

Ways and methods of collecting 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 caring for the condition of the skin.The bush is covered with long and sharp thorns, so the question arises of how to properly collect gooseberries so as not to prick yourself.

However, regardless of the chosen method, the harvest should not be early in the morning, but at 10-11 in the afternoon, when the dew has already subsided from the berries. The lack of moisture allows you to maintain freshness longer and prevents the crop from fermenting.

Manually

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 a jacket with long sleeves. Caution is recommended when working with bushes.

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

Mechanical method

It is considered safe for the collector, 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 harvesting method is a “dirty” harvest. Along with the ripe berries, green ones, light debris and leaves also fall off. Further sorting of the collection also takes a lot of time.

Comb method

A semi-mechanized harvesting method, the “comb” method, is also widely developed. The method involves the presence of a “thimble” with centimeter teeth. The device is sold in gardening stores; you can make it yourself from wire or plastic.

During use, the branch is lifted with one hand and the comb is drawn along it with the other. It is also recommended to sort the collection.

How to pick gooseberries without getting pricked?

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

• collect in protective clothing;
• use a device for collecting gooseberries - mechanical, comb or homemade;
• Gently, without sudden movements, bend the branches.

Device for quickly collecting gooseberries

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

1. Comb. Consists of a small box where the berries fall, and small teeth. To create it, a plastic base is used for the comb and mostly wood for the box.
2. Plastic bottle. To harvest it, you just need to cut it in the proper way.

Picking berries with a plastic bottle

Collecting gooseberries using a plastic bottle is considered the least expensive, but retains all the necessary properties. Allows you to keep your distance from thorny bushes and harvest crops remotely.

How to make a device with your own hands?

It is not difficult to build this device yourself. For this you will need:

• cut off the side of the bottle with uneven, sharp, tooth-like edges;
• the hole should not exceed 4x4 centimeters;
• securely attach a long stick to the bottle.

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

Device-based collection technology

Collecting gooseberries using the device is simple; you don’t have to touch the bush. You need to “dip” the berries into the hole of the bottle, pull a little, thanks to cutting with the 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 preserve the harvested crop?

The only criterion for preserving the crop is the absence of additional moisture. If you plan to make canned food, you can immediately add sugar and put it in the refrigerator.

Caring for gooseberries after harvest

After a full seasonal harvest, it is recommended to trim the bush, getting rid of excess “curl.” Later (by mid-autumn) the gooseberries need to be fed with fertilizers. These procedures will help keep the future harvest large and healthy.