Don't Forget to Harvest: A Fruit Tree Lover's Reminder

Sempervirens Gardening | Posted on September 16th, 2024

As autumn settles in and the leaves begin to turn, there’s a crucial task that often gets overlooked in the garden—harvesting your fruit trees. After all those months of nurturing and waiting, your fruit trees are ready to reward you with their bountiful harvest. A friendly reminder and some tips to make sure you get the most out of your harvest: neglecting fallen fruit can attract pests like raccoons, gophers, deer, foxes, and bears to your garden, so stay on top of your harvest to protect your orchard and enjoy a bountiful crop. 

1. Time It Right

Timing is everything when it comes to harvesting fruit. Each type of fruit has its own perfect picking time, so make sure you know what to look for:

- Apples: Harvest when the fruit has reached full color and the seeds inside are brown. They should come off the tree easily with a gentle twist.

- Pears: Unlike apples, pears should be picked when they’re mature but still firm. They ripen off the tree, so let them soften at room temperature.

- Plums: These should be slightly soft to the touch and have a rich color. Give them a gentle twist; they should come off easily.

- Peaches and Nectarines:Pick when they’re fragrant and slightly soft. They’ll continue to ripen after picking, so don’t worry if they’re a bit firm.

2. Be Gentle

Fruit trees have delicate limbs and fruits that can easily bruise. Handle your harvest with care to avoid damage:

- Use two hands when picking fruit. One hand supports the fruit while the other twists or lifts it gently.

- Avoid tossing or dropping fruit into buckets or containers. Instead, place them gently to prevent bruising.

- When it comes to delicate limbs, garden pests can wreak havoc on your fruit trees, and fallen branches can disrupt their overall aesthetic. But don’t worry—we’re here to help! Call Sempervirens Gardening, and we’ll take a look at any fruit trees and try to get them back into shape. 

3. Keep It Clean

To ensure the best storage and flavor, keep your fruit clean, dry, and cool; and free from damage:

- Wipe off any dirt or debris with a soft cloth or paper towel. Avoid washing fruit until you’re ready to eat it, as excess moisture can lead to spoilage.

- Inspect each fruit carefully and discard any that are damaged, overripe, or have bugs in them.

4. Store Smart

Proper storage can extend the life of your harvest and maintain fruit quality:

- Apples: Store in a cool, dry place, ideally in a fruit drawer in your refrigerator. Apples can last several weeks to months this way.

- Pears: Ripen at room temperature, then move to the fridge. They’re best enjoyed within a week or two after ripening.

- Plums, Peaches, and Nectarines: Keep these in the fridge once they’re ripe. They’re best consumed within a few days for peak freshness.

5. Enjoy and Preserve

Don’t let your hard work go to waste! Enjoy your fresh fruit in a variety of ways:

- Eat fresh, make fruit salads, or bake pies for your family, friends, and yourself!

- Preserve by canning, freezing, or making jams and jellies. Your future self will thank you for those delicious treats in the middle of winter.

- Support local farmers by purchasing their fresh produce and visiting harvest festivals. For instance, the Fortuna Apple Harvest Festival this October,  is a great chance to celebrate the season, enjoy local apples, and connect with your community. Additionally, don’t miss the Wilds Soul Ranch Harvest Honkytonk—a fun-filled event that offers a unique blend of local produce, live music, and festive activities!

Remember, harvesting is the reward for all your hard work in the garden. So grab your basket, head to the orchard, and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Happy Fall harvesting!