As a gardening and landscaping expert, I have had my fair share of experience with walnut trees and knowing when the walnuts are ready for picking. One of the most reliable indicators is the color of the husks. When the husks have turned brown, it is a good sign that the walnuts are ripe and ready to be harvested.
When I say brown, I mean a deep, rich brown color. The husks may start off green or yellow-green, but as the walnuts mature, they gradually change to brown. It’s important to wait until the husks have completely turned brown before picking the walnuts, as this indicates that they have reached their peak flavor and are fully developed.
Now, when it comes to actually picking the walnuts, there are a few tips that I can share. Firstly, I recommend picking them by hand if you have a small number of trees or if the branches are easily accessible. This allows you to carefully select only the ripe walnuts and avoid damaging the tree or other unripe nuts in the process.
If you have a larger walnut tree or if the branches are out of reach, you can use fruit picking poles. These poles have a basket or net attached to them, which allows you to reach higher branches and gently catch the ripe walnuts as they fall. It’s important to be patient and take your time when using fruit picking poles, as you want to ensure that you are only collecting the ripe walnuts and not knocking off any unripe ones.
Another important tip is to wear gloves and clothing that you do not mind being stained. The husks of walnuts contain a dark pigment that can easily transfer onto your skin and clothing. Trust me, I’ve learned this the hard way! By wearing gloves and appropriate clothing, you can protect yourself from staining and make the picking process a more enjoyable experience.
The best way to know when walnuts are ready is by observing the color of the husks. Once they have turned a deep brown, it’s a good indication that the walnuts are ripe and ready to be picked. Remember to pick them by hand or with fruit picking poles, and don’t forget to wear gloves and stain-resistant clothing. Happy walnut picking!
