Harvesting Tools
The seeds have germinated, the plants have grown strong... and now the good bit! Harvesting food is when all your hard work pays off, but if you have a lot of plants to harvest it can often be a long and repetitive task.
We are bringing you a selection of tools to make harvesting easier, saving you time and energy. From knives to pruners these tools will save you time and help you harvest efficiently.
Browse our selection of harvesting tools including specialty knives, pruners, scissors, quick cut harvesters, carts, cleaning tools and more...
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Regenerative Harvesting
We prioritise sustainable practices in market gardening to protect the environment and ensure the long-term viability of our food systems. Implementing good sustainable harvesting practices is essential for achieving these goals.
Selective picking is a key aspect of sustainable harvesting. By carefully choosing ripe and mature produce, market gardeners can maximise the quality of their harvests while allowing plants to continue growing and increasing productivity over time.
Choosing appropriate tools for harvest is crucial to minimise waste and improve efficiency. Selecting the right tool for each crop, such as handheld pruners for delicate herbs or quick cut harvesters, helps minimise plant damage and ensures a smooth and efficient harvest.
Timing the harvest is another important practice. Gardeners should aim to harvest crops at their peak flavour, texture, and nutritional value. This requires observing maturity indicators and harvesting at the right moment.
5 Top Tips for Harvesting Sustainably and Efficiently in Your Market Garden
As market gardeners, it's crucial to implement sustainable and efficient harvesting techniques to minimise waste and maximise productivity. Here are five top tips to help you achieve just that:
1.) Selective Picking:
Selective picking is the cornerstone of sustainable harvesting. Take the time to carefully choose ripe and mature produce, leaving unripe ones on the plant to reach their full potential. This ensures higher-quality harvests and allows plants to continue growing, increasing long-term productivity.
2.) Use the Right Tools:
Using appropriate tools for each crop is essential to minimise damage and maximise efficiency. Lightweight handheld pruners work wonders for delicate herbs and greens, while shears or harvest knives are better suited for tougher vegetables. Investing in high-quality tools, such as those offered by Reag Tools, ensures a clean and efficient harvest.
3.) Timing is Key:
Timing the harvest is crucial for peak flavour, texture, and nutritional value. Familiarise yourself with the maturity indicators for each crop, ensuring you harvest at the optimal time. This not only enhances the taste and nutritional benefits of your produce but also impresses your customers with the best quality.
4.) Efficient Post-Harvest Handling:
Proper post-harvest handling is essential to maintain freshness and extend the shelf life of your produce. Consider implementing cooling and refrigeration methods as well as using appropriate packaging materials to prevent spoilage. By efficiently handling your harvest, you minimise waste and provide customers with fresh, high-quality vegetables and fruits.
5.) Embrace Recycling and Composting:
In a sustainable market garden, recycling and composting play crucial roles. Composting garden waste, such as plant trimmings, enriches the soil with organic matter, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers. Additionally, recycling packaging materials minimises waste and lowers the environmental impact of your operations.