Empty trees – almost!

The anticipated picking dates mentioned in  previous posts have rather ‘gone out of the window’ during September as the earlier vagaries of  week to week growing conditions have all combined to accelerate the ripening of fruit.

Back in 1976 we had scorched apples that were small and hard as no rain fell here for many weeks. Forward to 2017 and another very hot June but the difference being that much rainfall followed. Some scorched apples, yes. Small fruit , no. The considerable rainfall during August , far beyond our usual here in Essex has had  an effect on some varieties.

The first week of October will see almost the end of apple picking here except for a few D’arcy Spice and Sturmer Pippin. Even these will have been challenged and their usual long keeping very unlikely.

We will have our annual display of apples here on Saturday 21st and again Saturday 28th October. Should you have any apples to identify, then bring them along for an opinion! An intact stalk is particularly important.

See you then!