Things You'll Need:
- A pecan tree/trees
- Buckets or containers
- Warm clothing
- Gloves
- Time
- Patience
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Step 1
The Pecans.
Pecans trees begin loosing their nuts around the end of the summer. The husks open and the nuts falls to the ground. This usually happens when the weather begins to cool. Picking them up is not difficult. If the weather has cooperated during the year, and there has been sufficient rainfall, the nuts will be scattered liberally about. All that's needed is to keep a keen eye on the ground. -
Step 2
The nuts that can't be seen.
When the pecans fall, so do the leaves from the tree. To find the most pecans, using hands and feet, as well as eyes, is essential. Don't be afraid to get on hands and knees to feel around and search through the leaves for the pecans. Knees will tell exactly where the pecans are. Smooth the leaves and branches carefully to make certain no pecans are missed. -
Step 3
That cracking sound.
Pecans are also found by the cracking underfoot. The pecans will be evident under the soles of shoes, so wearing sneakers or thin soles will help for the feel of the pecans. -
Step 4
Sorting the nuts.
After the pecans are harvested, have a sorting pail or bucket handy. Carefully examine each pecan for signs of worm holes. If one is visible, the pecan is not any good. Also, pecans that have fallen still in their husks will not be any good. It's always best not to pick them up to save having to sort them out later. After the pecans are carefully sorted, rinse the good pecans to remove any mud or dirt and make sure any leaves or twigs are removed. Weigh the pecans accurately and bag them in whatever amount desired for sale personally, or take them to a pecan buyer who will sort and weigh them. Prices per pound vary, but the pay will be well worth the effort.
