Picking up apples from the ground is tedious and takes a toll on your back. But picking apples is much easier with a self-made tool. In the following we give you ideas on how you can build an apple picker yourself.
Apples can also be picked up faster with a broom and dustpan
Build your own apple collector: the rolling classic
If you search the Internet for apple pickers, you will immediately come across an egg-like construction made of wires. The egg-shaped ball is rolled across the lawn on a pole. When the ball hits an apple or similar object, the flexible wires bend apart, allowing the apple to roll into the egg. Since the apple's own weight is less than the pressure exerted, the apple stays inside the sphere. Up to seven or more apples fit comfortably in the apple picker. This apple picker is difficult to replicate. If you still want to try, here are some tips.
Apple collector made of PVC pipe
An easier way is to build one yourself from a PVC pipe. It's an object very similar to a telescopic apple picker, only without the prongs. It is important that the PVC pipe is not much longer than an apple's length and it works best if it is slightly curved.
For this you need:
- a short, thin PVC tube at least an inch larger in diameter than a large apple
- a cloth bag
- a handle made of wood, e.g. a broomstick
- screws
- a strong glue
1. Attach style to PVC pipe
Screw the stem to the PVC pipe. The best place to do this is about an inch from the edge of the pipe so that the plastic doesn't tear but you can still reach the spot for drilling. The screw is screwed from the inside through the PVC tube into the broom handle. Pre-drill the hole in the handle and use a wood dowel for a better grip.
2. Glue the bag
Now glue the bag to the same end all the way around. Make sure there is a generous overlap that you tape firmly so that the bag cannot tear off.
tips
Picking up the apples with the homemade apple picker is even faster and easier if you take a broom in the other hand and use it to sweep the apples into the apple picker.