Bumper Crops of Apples and Pumpkins at National Trust Gardens Despite Drought and Record-Breaking Hot Summer
By Jill Dando News
National Trust gardeners are celebrating a bumper harvest of apples, pumpkins, and other produce, with crops ripening weeks earlier than usual.
Despite the UK experiencing its hottest summer on record and widespread drought, orchard fruit and squash have flourished—thanks in part to a mix of last year’s wet weather, a warm spring, and plenty of summer sunshine.
“This year’s apple and tree fruit harvests are likely due to the wet conditions last year which meant trees were in good health when they made flower buds in late summer,” said Rebecca Bevan, Plant Health and Sustainability Consultant for the National Trust. “A dry and sunny spring encouraged abundant blossom and fruit set, and the summer sun helped ripen the fruit.”
Cotehele in Cornwall saw apples ripen three weeks early, prompting extra apple-picking weekends.
“Despite the heat, we've had an amazing crop,” said Head Gardener David Bouch. “The apples were small at first, but recent rains helped them swell.”
Buckland Abbey in Devon also reports an early apple and squash harvest.
“We have about 50 per cent more pumpkins than usual,” said Head Gardener Sam Brown.
In Buckinghamshire, Hughenden’s orchard yield has doubled, while The Vyne in Hampshire saw its best harvest in years.
Gardener Emma Greenwood said: “Old varieties like ‘Frogmore Prolific’ and ‘Flower of Kent’ have produced huge crops.”
Sissinghurst in Kent reported its best apple season in six years. Gardener Olivia Steed-Mundin said heritage pumpkin varieties also thrived:
“Marina di Chioggia’ and ‘Rouge Vif d’Etampes’ have done especially well.”
Across Wales, Erddig is expecting double its usual apple haul. “We’ve already picked the same amount as our full harvest last year,” said Head Gardener Andrew Degg. “We’re on track for four tonnes.”
In Cambridgeshire, Wimpole Estate anticipates over six tonnes of apples.
“Our pumpkins are looking magnificent too,” said Head Gardener Ciaran Taylor. "Many will go to local foodbanks".
Wightwick Manor near Wolverhampton is enjoying a "sweet" crop. “Even rarely-fruiting trees are laden,” said Head Gardener James Carnell.
Further north, Beningbrough Hall in Yorkshire reports 25% more apples than usual. “Even trees like ‘Irish Peach’, which normally yield just a few apples, are thriving,” said Head Gardener Sam Shipman.
The National Trust has also shared apple and pumpkin storage tips, urging people to cure pumpkins for longer life and store apples carefully to prevent spoilage.
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