Tenterhooks!

It is only the 11th of April and already 30% of the apple blossom at Crapes is open.

Temperatures of recent weeks have hovered well above those that we usually expect at this time of year, both during the day and staying well up above 6C through the night – sone nights clinging on to 10C.

This morning whilst lying on my back adjusting bolts under a tractor, looking uowards was a sight to be welcomed – bees of all description visiting the open flowers. It is 14C as I type – great temperatures for pollen tube growth towards a receptacle well placed to form fruit.

Caution hovers. 2018 also saw similar conditions during April only to be unravelled by the weather of the last day of the month – cold rains and winds all day.

I haven’t mentioned frost. The latest date that is associated with considerable frost damage at Crapes is 6th June.

Plenty of time to be counting thinking beads!