Picking Ripe Fruits
Harvesting fruits to give the fruit tree a chance to concentrate on the new flowers is essential this time of year. The fruit quality may diminish if the ripe fruits are not harvested. Pomelos, pepinos, lemons, figs, avocados, Valencia and naval oranges continue to ripen as temperatures rise.
Gardening in the subtropics is very rewarding. Many fruit trees remain productive in the winter in the warmer regions of the subtropics. The slightly cooler temperatures allow fruits to stay fresh on the trees, but the fruit quality may diminish when the ripe fruits remain for too long as the trees divert resources to the new flower buds and young fruits.
Citrus trees are in full bloom, attracting pollinators (mainly bees) and filling the gardens with their sweet aroma. They are garden centrepieces while the naked temperate trees begin to wake up from dormancy.
Naval oranges, pomelos and more exotic lemon varieties begin to dry up when left on the trees for too long. The stalks turn yellow, and the fruits lose water from the top (shown in the picture) until the entire fruit is devoid of juice and flavour. This phenomenon takes several months after ripening. The good parts of the fruits can still be eaten; the rest is used for the compost heap. The rinds can be salvaged in marmalade and confectioneries.
Figs, strawberries, blackberries and raspberries may be harvested in the morning and evening to avoid fruit getting overripe on hot days. Harvest the fruits just before watering the trees to concentrate the flavours, especially for figs.
Harvest the avocados and bananas before they fully ripen. They continue to ripen after harvesting. Please keep them in well-ventilated fabric bags, sacks or boxes, but don’t pack them too tightly to avoid bruising. Enjoy the juices, vitamin-packed treasures and the physical activity that the seasons gardening brings. #Love Home Grown!