Mimid November Update

The Medlar and the Sturmer Pippin were gathered at the beginning of this month , some two weeks earlier than usual – just as well with the abundance of rain and gusty winds experienced here recently.

The Medlars are bletting rapidly, some had so on the trees, reflecting the delayed results of the most varied weather from the dry pre blossom time to the annoyingly wet late August, and again mid September. The effect of  so many cool evenings which characterised much of the growing period  should not be overlooked. Apples are likewise  maturing quickly.

We are now sold out of some favourites, Sunset, Ribston Pippin, Suntan, Spartan, Egremont Russet.

On a more positive note, the Kidd’s Orange Red are in good supply!

Some cooler weather is forecast, not such good news for the earthworms which have been hyper active during this long mild spell. Much lower soil temperatures are a ‘must’ to slow down the tree root systems for a period before the day light hours begin increasing once more – not long to wait for that!

Some field fares have passed through during the last fortnight. We haven’t had visiting flocks here for a couple of years to peck around on windfall apples. Birds head straight for the pips, leaving the skin for the worms to ‘disappear’ later.