Reap the fruits of your toil, and display the glorious harvest with pride.
After all, the harvest trug makes an excellent basket for arranging your succulents and fresh produce. Sometimes, I fill mine with dried flowers or glistening fruits, and place it as a centerpiece for all the guests to admire.
Like any fruit basket, this adornment serves as an apt home decor during thanksgiving, or perhaps, as an auspicious gift for the neighbors. At the same time, harvest trugs are an indispensable tool in the garden.
If you are a seasoned gardener like me, you may even use them every day to transport tools, herbs, vegetables, packets of seed, and other gardening materials. But, unlike the messy work they are meant for, harvest trugs now come in stylish and delicate designs.
Hi! My name is Stacy, and I am here to help you find the best harvest trug on the market today. Here are my top picks.
Top 5 Harvest Trug Reviews
1. Fiskars 340100-1001
Frequently featured in gardening magazines and my backyard, Fiskars gardening tools have earned their reputation over the years. This, in itself, is a remarkable feat, considering how the company has been in business since the 17th century - a long time for any company to refine its products.
Product Highlights
The captivating modern and sharp design of this harvest basket is definitely not inspired by the original Fiskars tools of the 1960s. Moreover, it comes in a sleek black color, and is complete with a striking orange handle. Needless to say, you probably won’t lose it among your plants.
Anyhow, the harvest trug is large and hard to miss. In fact, it has three separate compartments for carrying different items; a large one for fresh produce, a smaller one for tools, and a middle section that is perfect for herbs.
Of course, you can use each part for carrying large tomatoes if you wish. After all, this lightweight equipment is durable enough to take on heavy loads. You can even switch to the side handles that allow you to use both hands to carry the weight.
What's There To Like About It?
I love to garden and cook, but I sure don't love cleaning up. That being said, I was pleasantly surprised that this handy harvest trug has a colander section for easy rinsing. This means I don't have to find a separate strainer to drain muddy fruits and veggies.
Moreover, the other side is enclosed, so I can easily transfer the clean produce within the same basket before I begin prep work. In other words, no more dirty bowls and sieves piling up in the sink, waiting to be washed.
What's There Not To Like About It?
With some things, bigger might be better – but the same cannot be said of this oversized harvest trug, which is slightly tricky to store. However, this is a minor complaint and sometimes a blessing, especially when dealing with delicate produce that cannot be stacked.
Pros and Cons of Fiskars 340100-1001
Pros
Cons
- IDEAL GARDEN BASKET: Basket made of durable, plastic with multi-functional features to simplify collecting, transporting, and cleaning harvested produce or tools; Designed with two sets of handles for each user's preferred carry
- INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Colander side has drain holes for washing harvested produce; Enclosed side can be used for soaking or carrying clean produce or tools; Ergonomic side handles ideal for two-handed carrying; Folding handles interlock for comfortable, one-handed use
- LONG-LASTING AND RELIABLE: Crafted with a durable, plastic construction to make cleaning easy and provide excellent durability for lasting value; Fiskars lawn and garden tools are built to last
2. IBERG Metal Wire Basket
The industrial look of wire mesh has a universal appeal that looks modest and stylish at the same time. This metal wire basket by IBERG works the same way – it is a functional storage space that also doubles as an elegant display for your seasonal harvest.
Product Highlights
When you are not using this harvest trug for carrying vegetables from the garden, it can serve as a handy organizer for your laundry room. Either way, with the dimensions of 16" X 9.6" X 8", it has a large capacity for carrying all kinds of items.
What's more, the mesh steel construction gives it an elegant design that can hold laundry detergents and magazines, and still look like a beautiful home décor piece. Moreover, the mesh ensures that you don't need a separate sieve for cleaning garden produce. Not to mention how the harvest trug itself is easy to clean.
Simply run a hose to get the dirt off the basket and fruits before you place it on the dining table to create a stunning centerpiece. Rest assured, the well-ventilated basket will keep the fruits fresh for a long time.
What's There To Like About It?
The entire structure, including the folding handles, is made of metal. While this offers enough durability to last decades, the sturdy design also facilitates balance no matter how much weight it carries.
Apart from its capacity and durability, the metal frame adds to its convenience because I get to leave the basket out without worrying about how it looks. In fact, for the same reasons, I often take this handy trug to the farmer's market with pride and minimal effort.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The metal handles have been designed to prevent torque or imbalance, and are capable of carrying my entire farmer's market purchase. However, the straight handles started to cause a little bit of strain on my way back home. Perhaps a rounded or padded handle would make it a truly ergonomic piece.
Pros and Cons of IBERG Metal Wire Basket
Pros
Cons
- Stylish and Functional & Durable Construction - Add a touch of modern elegance to any room with our metal mesh basket. Its sleek design seamlessly blends style with functionality. Crafted from sturdy metal mesh, our basket is built to withstand daily use. Its robust construction ensures long-lasting durability, making it a reliable storage solution for years to come.
- Versatile Usage - From organizing household items to serving as a decorative accent, our basket offers endless possibilities. Use it in the kitchen, living room, bedroom, or office to keep clutter at bay and stay organized.
- Convenient Handles - Equipped with sturdy handles, our basket allows for easy transportation from one room to another. Whether you're carrying groceries, laundry, or miscellaneous items, our basket makes it effortless.
3. Hutzler 3779GR
The garden colander from Hutzler was first sold in a single size. After a customer reached out to the makers and requested a smaller option, the mini garden colander was born. So, it doesn't come as a surprise that this fan-favorite is in the running for the best harvest basket.
Product Highlights
This charming harvest trug is available in two sizes and four delightful colors – almond, eggshell blue, green, and pink. Needless to say, all you have to do is wear a garden hat and carry this harvest bag to complete any trendy outfit before heading to the beach or farmer's market.
However, it is not simply eye candy – even though the bright colors may remind you of sweet treats. Apart from being an adorable addition to any gardener's toolset, the unique design provides the harvest trug its practicality and ease of use.
All you have to do is shake the bag and let the dirt fall out of the bottom holes. Next, use a hose and run the produce under some water; in addition to the bottom colander, the side slits facilitate quick draining and easy cleaning. Moreover, the trug has a flat bottom, so you don't have to worry about it tipping over.
What's There To Like About It?
Talking about multi-purpose harvest trugs, I had gifted this handy trug to my daughter, who had other ingenious plans for it. While she did use the basket to carry herbs and vegetables from the market, her pet cat also grew a liking for it.
Soon enough, she began using it as an alternative for a cat carrier. While I'm sure that this is one of the best harvest trug options on the list, it is also possibly the best cat carrier! After all, it is made of pet-friendly BPA plastic and is also dishwasher-safe.
What's There Not To Like About It?
At first, I had placed my order for this harvest trug believing that it is made of soft silicone material. However, when the product was delivered, the material turned out to be stiff plastic. I was a little disappointed, but perhaps it is for the better; after all, flexible material will probably collapse when left on the floor.
Pros and Cons of Hutzler 3779GR
Pros
Cons
- Collect, Carry, & Clean
- Easily collect tomatoes, berries, herbs & flowers from the backyard garden or farmers market
- Wash everything all at once right in the colander bag
4. Maine Garden 833255001252
When you are unsure about whether to go for a wooden or metal construction, you go for both; after all, these time-tested materials are world-renowned for their durability. Not to mention how this piece from Maine Garden Products is cleverly engineered with a mesh body and wooden accents for an attractive look.
Product Highlights
This charmingly rustic harvest trug utilizes a timeless design that will be in vogue for decades to come, which is great considering how this durable tool will probably last many years. In fact, the makers claim that clam diggers relied on these sturdy hods for carrying the catch of the day. This was before the product began to attract mainstream attention.
With the dimensions of 18-7/8 "L x 11 "W x 6-1/4 "D, the wire mesh body has a good capacity for carrying all kinds of household items and fresh produce. In fact, the wires are PVC-coated so, rest assured, they are certified food-safe. Moreover, the structure allows you to wash and drain fruits and veggies in the basket itself.
There are pine ends on either side of the product, and a steam-bent handle made of oak. Apart from providing the trug with its natural appearance, the wooden features facilitate easy handling and balance.
What's There To Like About It?
Given its incredible stability and design, this basket is indeed something that will be by my side for years. Without a doubt, it makes a great gift idea for a loved one, or perhaps, an artisanal handloom that can be passed down through generations.
And let's not forget how this pretty piece has a range of practical purposes; I use it as a spice rack when I am not carrying gardening tools in it.
What's There Not To Like About It?
I liked this basket so much for organizing my things that I ordered another one. However, I did notice a minor discrepancy in the newer product; there were splinters, and the wood was slightly chipped on the rounded edges and near the handles. Nevertheless, my husband lightly sanded the parts over the summer, and they look fabulous now.
Pros and Cons of Maine Garden 833255001252
Pros
Cons
- Collect and transport all your vegetables, flowers or tools from the garden in this generously sized colander trug, then simply rinse and drain with no fuss, mess, or spillage
- For generations, New England clam diggers have relied on these sturdy hods to stow and clean their day's catch. Now 'inlanders' are raving about their usefulness around the garden, yard and home
- Doubles as a magazine holder, pantry bin or portable toy box for a vintage rustic look
5. V.I. Reed And Cane Inc. HARVEST
There's nothing more satisfying than using a woven reed basket to gather freshly picked apples; perhaps, except the fulfillment of creating your own basket from scratch. V.I. Reed And Cane Inc. now makes basket-weaving easy with their harvest basket weaving kit.
Product Highlights
V.I. Reed And Cane Inc. weaving kits have been in the business for almost 40 years, and these are perfect for beginners and experienced weavers alike.
Nevertheless, the kit includes detailed step-by-step instructions and illustrations to guide you along the way. You also receive plenty of reed material to weave the basket, with some left over. However, the kit does not contain tools, and you will have to buy a pair of pruning shears or some strong scissors – if you don't already have one.
In total, it may take about two hours for an experienced DIYer to finish the piece. With all the suitable materials in hand, you can easily create an 8" X 10" X 5" basket with a flat rectangular base and a D-handle.
What's There To Like About It?
Owing to the straightforward instructions provided, it took me only about four sittings of about 45 minutes each to complete the basket. It is worth noting that I found the reeds challenging to work with once I began my second session.
However, a quick phone call to the company's responsive customer care executives solved all my problems; all I had to do was resoak the weaves while keeping the handle dry. After this, I ordered the same product a few more times to improve my basket weaving skills. Once Easter rolled by, I had enough baskets to give away as presents.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Perhaps the only drawback with this harvest trug was the quality of the D-handle, which was split at the top. However, since I was left with a good amount of reed, I used those to wrap the handle to increase its durability. Other than that, I don’t think you’ll come across any major downside to using this product.
Pros and Cons of V.I. Reed And Cane Inc. HARVEST
Pros
Cons
- Purchase with confidence knowing that our kits have 30+ years of expert development with illustrated step-by-step instructions. Our kits are the perfect way to learn or develop the timeless craft of basket weaving!
Buyers Guide
Before you rush off to buy a beautiful harvest trug, there are a few other things to consider, such as functionality. After all, the name itself suggests that this is meant to be a practical solution for carrying your garden produce, which is a relatively messy job.
Needless to say, it's crucial to weigh out the pros and cons before deciding whether a product is indeed the best harvest basket for you. Here are a few pointers to help you make the right purchase.
1. Design
Harvest trugs in the market come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. That being said, each of them has its own aesthetic appeal. However, some, such as plastic harvest baskets, may suffer from a lack of style.
At the same time, heavy-duty propylene baskets are low-maintenance, practical, sturdy, and inexpensive. Moreover, some companies have made decent attempts at designing attractive harvest trugs, which may not be as fashionable as wicker baskets, but aren't a complete eyesore either.
On the other hand, wicker baskets are beautiful, but they are incredibly delicate. These are only good for dry harvests, such as flowers and leafy vegetables.
Apart from these two, there are various other harvest basket materials, such as solid wood, metal or wire mesh, and fabric. While sturdy materials, like solid wood and metal, aren't as kind to delicate vegetables as their fabric counterparts, the cloth bags are hard to clean and not waterproof. But, the latter does make for a stylish beach bag or market tote.
2. Ease Of Cleaning
Most handy plastic harvest baskets are equipped with built-in colanders or holes, which can be used to shake off the dirt from produce. At the same time, washing it is easy; you can hose off the crops and basket, and the water drains out automatically.
Similarly, the gaps in wire and metal meshes serve as a sieve through which dirt and water pass easily. Not to mention how both of these materials are mostly waterproof.
However, keep in mind that wire meshes may not be practical for carrying small herbs and berries, as they may fall through the holes. For such harvests, it is advisable to go for solid wood models that are free of chemical sealants. But bear in mind that untreated wood begins deteriorating if it is doused with water too often.
With that said, the most difficult to clean among all is probably the classic wicker basket. Although these lovely pieces are great for lightweight and heavy produce alike, they are not water-resistant. In fact, too much exposure to water can lead to mold growth.
3. Type Of Produce
As mentioned earlier, wire mesh baskets aren't the best option if you are seeking to gather small produce. On the other hand, plastic, solid wood, and wicker are well-suited for most types of harvest, be it light leafy greens or heavy potatoes.
Moreover, it is worth noting that wire mesh baskets may not be as gentle on delicate items, such as tomatoes and eggs. Alternatively, you can go for these by choosing one with multiple compartments; a large capacity means that you can easily avoid stacking items.
4. Cost
Fortunately, you don't need to shell out a lot of money for a fun and functional harvest basket. In fact, sturdy and low-maintenance plastic trugs are generally the least expensive of the bunch.
What's more, an attractive harvest trug serves multiple purposes – be it as a beach bag, a magazine rack, a market tote, a laundry basket, and so much more. After all, the wire mesh designs are fashioned after the hogs used by clam diggers to collect their catch.
Needless to say, investing in an inexpensive or moderately expensive harvest trug will indeed provide value for money. Anyhow, you can opt for a weaving kit to make your own basket from scratch. And yet, you will be rewarded with a new skill and satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Variations of the harvest trug have been around since the Saxon times. These were widely popularized again in the 19th century during the reign of Queen Victoria. A version of it, known as the Sussex trug, was manufactured along the coasts of the United Kingdom.
While Sussex trugs are traditionally made of wood, modern harvest trug manufacturers have reinvented the idea. These are now constructed out of reed, metal, wood, fabric, and plastic. It is worth noting that the different materials used for making these baskets have their own advantages and drawbacks.
As the name suggests, harvest trugs are garden tools used to carry the bounty once it is time to harvest the fields or the garden. Quite akin to the legendary cornucopia, they are generally pictured in pop culture as wicker or woven baskets that are teeming with fruits and vegetables.
Needless to say, many manufacturers design these functional gardening items to also serve as a display for fresh produce. More recently, they have begun to upgrade these to fit modern needs.
That being said, harvest baskets are now fashioned after market totes and beach bags. And, indeed, many carry them around for such purposes.
My Final Recommendation
When it comes to gardening tools, there is not much scope to make style statements. That is unless you are talking about harvest trugs.Â
And, indeed, the IBERG Metal Wire Basket is an elegant and fitting display for my hard-earned seasonal bounty. Moreover, the sturdy structure and mesh body facilitates easy cleaning – just give the trug a tug, and all the dirt comes off.Â
Similarly, my top pick, the Fiskars 340100-1001 model, is equipped with a colander for a quick and effortless rinse. Not to mention how it has three compartments and enough storage for all your produce. What’s more, this product comes at a steal, so you don’t have to limit yourself to just one model.Â
Perhaps, the best harvest trug for you might be a combination of two!