Tips for Pickers

Wording of this Handout:

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If you are going berry-picking this year, here are some things which will help you pick more than usual:

1. Start early in the morning. The first part of the day is often the best - cool and quiet, and working seems easier.
2. Wear the right clothes. Old clothes are best because you can get under the bushes and it doesn't matter about mud or stains.
3. Pick steadily. Don't try to pick faster than everyone, or get into a race. Just go at a speed that suits you, and don't stop.
4. Picking technique. Look at the bushes and see where the best place to sit or stand is. For raspberries it pays to sit underneath and do the lower berries first, then the top ones.
5. Protection. Sun-tan lotion to prevent sunburn. Hats. Longsleeved shirts with collars to pull up. Gumboots. Trousers. Protect yourself from insects, water and sun, and you will work better.
6. Picking aids:
(a) A small basket around the waist.
(Use an ice-cream container and strong string) (b) Plastic underwear. (!) Not really.
See diagram.
(c) A watch. Its good to know how fast or slow you are working.

Plastic bag underwear.
(This keeps the water off when you sit on wet ground)