DIY Berry Picking Bucket Video
A bountiful morning when you have the right tools.
Berry (and cherry) picking is serious business; you pick a few, eat a few, then try to get them in the berry picking bucket or basket without spilling your handful from a high altitude. And then there’s the bending down to fill the bucket part. (Bad backs need not apply.) There’s got to be a better way!
The Tall Clover Farm prototype during its testing phase: lightweight and no rope burns and holds about two pounds.
I took my design inspiration for a better berry picking bucket from the clever folks at Bybee-Nims Farms at the base of Mt. Si near North Bend, WA. Their berry bucket: a clothesline cut to four feet, ends threaded through two opposite holes in an open coffee can and then knotted, basically a bucket pendant necklace, that bounces about my belly when I walk. The blueberries went a flyin’!
The prototype: cheap, comfortable and with several applications.
I adapted the idea, using a light weight plastic storage container and a tennis shoe string. My extensive testing proves the design reliable and my capacity to eat fresh berries without match. It’s especially handy when you’re on a ladder. But why limit it to a berry/cherry picking bucket. Here are some other options for your consideration:
- a cereal bowl for your morning commute or late night snacking
- a place to store your reading glasses
- a new-fangled air sickness bag (don’t forget lid)
- a popcorn holder for movie night
Ah the list goes on, but for now I have a date with some overripe raspberries.
Ladies, gentlemen, don your buckets!
Clever idea. But really, do people actually have berries MAKE IT TO THE BUCKET?????
My mouth keeps getting in the way of that.
Teehee!
Good point Susan…”pick one, eat one, pick one, eat one…”
Oh and Susan, try this link for the video, maybe this will work better for you:
Creative idea! Is it not thrilling to be so creative with all the simple things.
I have a few raspberry bushes that I have planted as they seem to grow under any condition at the corner of my property that when people walk by they will pick a few sheepishly as a treat. I guess I should put a little sign there to tell them to enjoy!
Happy Canada Day today!
V and the Furry Gang
V you are a good neighbor. And speaking of good neighbors, Happy Canada Day, indeed!
I thought this looked ridiculous until 3 days ago, when my neighbor up the street informed me her cherry tree was ready for picking and that I should come soon. Suddenly, a hands-free bucket makes perfect sense. Call me a convert…
Happy Canada day to any other Canadian readers.
Oh good a convert. Bwah-ha-ha! And Happy Canada Day QCprepper, your country and citizens deserve to be celebrated everyday. Hmm, I think I need a trip to Vancouver in my future!
Unfortunately, I couldn’t make the video work. It doesn’t really matter, though, as I have no fruit that needs a bucket. I have one kiwi plant and several tomato plants but, as Susan says, there is very little in my garden that makes it from the vine into a bucket. I’m so impressed by the bounty of your many harvests, Tom and by the creative recipes you share for ways to “process” all the produce you grow! Canada Day was wonderful – we even managed a barbecue before the rains came.
Hi Sandra, Happy Canada Day, my friend. And thank you for such kind words. I fear my photos only show you the best of my harvests, as there some disappointments along the way, too. I just pretend they didn’t happen. 😉 Well wishes to you and yours!
I am off to make your bucket. From here in Canada – Happy Fourth of July to all !
Berry picking time here in Ontario,Canada and I am off to make your bucket. Happy Fourth of July to all.
Tom-
Just discovered your wonderful website while I was looking for blackberry recipes. Clever idea with the basket! I have lots of blackberries left to pick and it has been awkward to hold a pan with one hand and pick with the other so I plan on making one of these and increase the amount I pick!! I’m in coastal Oregon area, not quite the island setting like you have, but I see many similarities in some of your posts. I’m pretty excited to try some of your recipes-especially the peach pie. Keep up the great stories (I loved the Brown Betty story-can relate-had a rooster that met the same fate)
Hi Laura, nice to meet you and thanks for the kind note. And I say definitely try that peach pie recipe, it is seriously one fine pie. Warm regards, Tom