5-Minute Fruit Picker

This really easy DIY will have you picking ripe fruit from the higher reaches of the trees in no time.

Often high fruits are left to fall naturally and more often than not, will get damaged on impact. Avo’s can be picked slightly early and will ripen if wrapped in newspaper, however this picker can be used for all sorts of fruit.

You need:

• An empty 5 litre detergent bottle or similar (try using one that has the opening on the side) 3m thatching lathe (these can be found at a store that sells gum poles, use an old broom handle or pool pipe)
• 2 x 30mm screws
• 2 Cable ties TOOLS
• Screw driver
• Marker and utility knife

Steps:

1. Start by marking the opening you wish to cut out. Using an existing fruit helps to get the size right. Trace the shape upside down with the opening facing you. Be sure to leave a notch at the top to allow the stem to slide in when picking the fruit.

2. Cut the shape out of the container using a utility knife.

3. Insert the pole into the container and mark either side for where the cable ties should go. Make a small incision and attach the pole to the container using the cable ties and trim the ends off.

4. Put 2 screws through the lid of the bottle into the pole – these screws will take the strain when pulling the fruit off the tree.