Fruit Harvesting

Fruit Trees 

Harvest Pip and Stone Fruit Harvesting

• March is harvesting time for Golden Queen peaches, along with many apple varieties such as Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, and Splendour.
• Winter Cole and Winter Nelis pears are also ready for picking.
• Keep an eye on fruit trees for signs of insect pests or disease and treat immediately.

Nourish Citrus Trees (Lemons, Oranges, Mandarins etc)

• Citrus trees are "gross feeders" which means they need regular and citrus-specific fertiliser to support fruit development. Feed every 4-6 weeks until mid-April.
• Keep watering - dry conditions can cause fruit drop.
• Check for scale insects and black sooty mould - treat with neem oil if needed.
• Read our How to Grow Citrus Guide for more advice.
  
  

  Grape Harvesting

  • Many grape varieties are maturing this month, ready to be picked once they develop full colour and a sweet flavour.
  • Birds love ripe grapes, so use netting to protect fruit if needed.

    
    Harvesting Tips

    • Harvest in dry weather for the best flavour and storage.
    • Avoid pulling ripe bunches off the vine by hand, as this can damage the plant.
    • Cut ripe bunches off cleanly with secateurs, leaving on a small stem to preserve freshness.
    • Grapes bruise easily, place them gently into containers rather than piling them up.
    • Discard split, shriveled, or mouldy grapes to protect others from infection.
    • Store grapes in a cool place or refrigerate them in a breathable container to keep fresh.
    • Only wash fruit just before eating to prevent excess moisture buildup.

    
    Passionfruit 

    • Keep an eye on your passionfruit vines - ripe fruit will naturally drop to the ground, or you can pick them once they turn deep purple.
    • A layer crushed bark or mulch under the vine keeps fallen fruit clean.