As the cool breeze of autumn sweeps in, it marks the season of harvest for many homesteads and gardens. The bounty of fruits, vegetables, and grains cultivated throughout the growing season is ready to be gathered, stored, or preserved. Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or someone new to the idea of harvesting your own food, having the right tools and equipment is essential. Autumn is a busy time of year on the homestead, but with the right tools, you can make the process efficient, safe, and even enjoyable.
In this guide, we’ll go over the essential tools and equipment you’ll need for the autumn harvest. These items are practical, durable, and will serve you well season after season. From simple hand tools to more advanced equipment, each plays an important role in gathering, processing, and storing your harvest.
Basic Harvest Tools
Before diving into specialized equipment, it’s important to cover the basics. These hand tools are essential for any homestead or garden during the autumn harvest, no matter what crops you’re working with.
1. Pruning Shears
Pruning shears, also known as hand pruners or secateurs, are one of the most versatile tools for harvest. These are used to cut through stems, vines, and small branches. Whether you’re harvesting grapes, tomatoes, or herbs, pruning shears allow you to make clean cuts without damaging the plant. Look for a high-quality pair made from durable materials like stainless steel to ensure they last through many harvests.
When selecting pruning shears, consider the comfort of the handle. A cushioned or ergonomic handle can make a big difference if you’re using them for long periods. Additionally, choose a pair that’s easy to sharpen and maintain for long-term use.
2. Harvesting Knife
A good harvesting knife is invaluable when you need to cut through tough stems, vines, or root vegetables. These knives are designed for harvesting crops like pumpkins, squash, melons, and cabbages. They have a curved blade that makes it easier to cut close to the base of the plant without damaging the rest of the crop.
A stainless steel blade is your best option for durability and rust resistance. Some knives come with a serrated edge for cutting through thicker or fibrous stems. It’s also helpful to have a protective sheath to store your knife when it’s not in use.
3. Garden Scissors
While similar to pruning shears, garden scissors are a bit more lightweight and are ideal for delicate tasks like harvesting herbs, lettuce, or small fruits. These scissors allow you to snip smaller stems with precision and are useful when harvesting in tight spaces, like between rows of plants or in raised beds.
For the best performance, choose garden scissors with a non-stick coating, as this will prevent plant sap from gumming up the blades. They’re also easier to clean and maintain, which is important when you’re in the middle of a busy harvest season.
4. Garden Fork
A garden fork is essential for digging up root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and beets. It’s also useful for turning soil, aerating your garden, or loosening compacted soil around crops. A sturdy, well-made garden fork will make the process much easier and prevent damage to your crops as you dig them up.
When choosing a garden fork, look for one with a strong, tempered steel head and a durable wooden or fiberglass handle. The handle length is important, too—choose one that’s comfortable for your height to avoid straining your back while working.
5. Harvesting Baskets and Buckets
Once you’ve gathered your crops, you’ll need something to carry them in. Harvesting baskets and buckets are essential for collecting and transporting fruits and vegetables from the garden to your storage area. Look for baskets made from sturdy materials like woven wood or plastic that can hold up to the weight of your harvest.
Some baskets are designed with ventilation to keep your produce cool and dry, which is especially helpful for items like apples, tomatoes, and peppers. Additionally, you can find harvesting bags that strap to your waist or shoulder, freeing up your hands as you work.
6. Tarp or Drop Cloth
For larger harvests, especially with grains or nuts, a tarp or drop cloth can make gathering easier. Lay the tarp under fruit trees or grain crops, and gently shake the branches or stalks to allow the ripe produce to fall onto the tarp. This saves time and reduces the need for bending down repeatedly to pick up individual fruits or nuts.
A tarp is also helpful when you’re threshing grains. After harvesting, you can lay the grains out on the tarp and use a simple hand thresher to separate the grains from the chaff. Once finished, you can easily lift the tarp and pour the grains into storage containers.
Specialized Harvest Equipment
For larger homesteads or those looking to harvest more substantial crops, specialized equipment can significantly improve efficiency. While these tools are more of an investment, they’re well worth it if you plan on expanding your harvest over time.
1. Wheelbarrow or Garden Cart
A wheelbarrow or garden cart is a must-have for any homesteader. When the harvest is large, carrying everything by hand becomes impractical. Wheelbarrows allow you to transport heavy loads of produce, soil, or compost with ease. For heavier harvests like pumpkins, corn, or large root vegetables, a sturdy wheelbarrow can save you time and effort.
Garden carts offer a similar benefit but often have a more balanced design, making them easier to handle. Some carts even come with detachable sides, allowing you to load and unload your harvest more easily. Look for models with durable, puncture-resistant tires and a strong steel or wood frame to ensure longevity.
2. Hand Crank Grain Mill
If you’re growing grains like wheat, corn, or oats, a hand crank grain mill is a valuable addition to your harvest tools. These mills allow you to grind your grain into flour or meal right at home, ensuring fresh, high-quality flour for baking or cooking.
A manual grain mill is a simple tool that doesn’t require electricity, making it perfect for off-grid homesteads or those who prefer a more hands-on approach. Choose a model with adjustable settings so you can control the coarseness of the grind, from fine flour to coarse meal. Cast iron or stainless steel models are durable options that will last for years with proper care.
3. Corn Sheller
If you’re growing corn for animal feed or human consumption, a corn sheller can make the process much easier. This tool removes the kernels from the cob quickly and efficiently. While shelling corn by hand is possible, it’s time-consuming and labor-intensive for larger crops.
Manual corn shellers are available, and they’re affordable and effective for small to medium-sized harvests. For larger homesteads, electric corn shellers may be a more practical option. These machines are fast and efficient, allowing you to process large quantities of corn in a short amount of time.
4. Apple Peeler and Corer
Autumn is apple season, and if you’re harvesting a lot of apples, an apple peeler and corer can save you a significant amount of time in the kitchen. This tool peels, cores, and slices apples in one simple motion, making it ideal for preparing apples for pies, sauces, or drying.
Look for a sturdy, manual model with a suction base to keep it stable on your countertop. These peelers are easy to use and can handle large batches of apples in a short period. Many models are also adjustable, allowing you to peel without coring or to change the thickness of the slices.
5. Electric Food Dehydrator
Preserving your harvest is an important part of homesteading, and an electric food dehydrator is one of the best tools for drying fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Dehydrating is a simple method of preservation that extends the shelf life of your produce without the need for canning or freezing.
Dehydrators come in various sizes, so you can choose one that fits your needs. Smaller models are ideal for herbs, while larger ones can handle bigger batches of fruits like apples, peaches, or tomatoes. Look for a dehydrator with adjustable temperature settings and multiple trays to maximize drying efficiency.
You may have seen this model on my counter top.
Maintenance and Care for Harvest Tools
Your tools are an investment, and taking good care of them ensures they’ll last for many harvest seasons. Here are a few simple tips to maintain your tools and equipment:
- Clean after use: Dirt, sap, and plant debris can accumulate on tools, leading to rust or dulling of blades. Wipe down tools with a damp cloth after use, and dry them thoroughly to prevent rust.
- Sharpen blades regularly: Pruning shears, knives, and scissors will need sharpening over time. Use a sharpening stone or file to keep blades sharp, which will make harvesting easier and more precise.
- Oil wooden handles: Wooden handles can dry out and crack over time. Applying a coat of linseed oil or mineral oil will keep the wood moisturized and strong.
- Store tools properly: Keep your tools in a dry, sheltered location like a shed or garage. Hanging tools on a wall or storing them in a tool rack can prevent damage and keep them organized.
Conclusion
The autumn harvest is a rewarding time of year, but it requires the right tools and equipment to ensure a smooth and successful process. From basic hand tools like pruning shears and garden forks to more specialized equipment like grain mills and dehydrators, each tool serves a practical purpose in gathering, processing, and preserving your harvest.
By investing in quality, durable tools, you can make the most of your autumn harvest and enjoy the fruits of your labor well into the winter months. Whether you’re harvesting a small backyard garden or a larger homestead, having the right equipment makes all the difference. These tools not only save time and effort but also help protect the quality of your produce. As you prepare for the autumn harvest, take stock of your current tools and consider adding a few new items to your collection. With the right setup, you can enjoy a productive and efficient harvest season, knowing that you’ve made the most of your garden’s bounty. Happy harvesting!
