This year, despite a challenging drought and record-breaking summer heat, experts have reported an unexpectedly bountiful apple and pumpkin harvest. The National Trust highlights a remarkable turnaround compared to last year’s affected yields, which suffered due to wet weather and pest infestations like slugs and snails in squash crops at locations including Kingston Lacey in Dorset and Dunham Massey near Manchester.
The conservation charity credits this abundant harvest to a unique combination of climatic factors: last year’s wet conditions revitalized tree health, a warm and dry spring encouraged robust flowering, and an abundance of summer sunshine accelerated fruit ripening—often weeks earlier than usual. Pumpkins are also thriving and, with proper storage, are expected to be perfect for Halloween celebrations.
Meanwhile, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has seen an unprecedented spike in inquiries about “mystery” apple varieties growing in domestic gardens and community orchards. Over 500 samples have been submitted in one month alone for identification via the RHS fruit identification service, a substantial increase from previous years. Notably, one specimen was even delivered after hours by being thrown over a fence at the RHS Wisley garden.
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Jim Arbury, fruit expert at RHS, has been identifying fascinating heritage varieties such as lemon pippin—known since at least 1744—and “sops in wine,” which features pink-tinged flesh. Other rare finds include the Exmoor-native oaken pin, the historic cider apple golden bittersweet, and the elusive pear variety “Alexandre Lambre,” a remnant from lost London market gardens.
The RHS encourages the public to bring unidentified apples to its gardens for in-person expert assessments at upcoming “plot to plate” autumn events. Arbury emphasizes that knowing the variety of apple trees aids in their preservation and care, which is especially vital as climate change presents new agricultural challenges. Many heritage trees may hold resilience that proves invaluable for future gardening.
Rebecca Bevan from the National Trust remarks that while climate change has led to erratic wet and dry spells, this year’s fruitful outcome is a hopeful sign. The wet conditions last year allowed trees to produce healthy flower buds, followed by good pollination in a dry spring and sunny summer—perfect for fruit development. Furthermore, recharged groundwater from previous rains helped soil moisture persist, benefiting crops like pumpkins despite the drought.
Across the country, National Trust sites have reported exceptional yields: Cotehele in Cornwall has harvested thousands of apples earlier than anticipated, while Erddig in Wales expects its vintage apple crop to double in size. Similar trends appear at Wightwick Manor near Wolverhampton, where apples are sweeter and more plentiful despite being smaller, and Beningbrough Hall in North Yorkshire has seen a 25% increase in apples and pears.
Pumpkins also abound. At Buckland Abbey near Plymouth, gardeners report a 50% increase in squashes and pumpkins, harvested roughly six weeks ahead of schedule. Gardeners are advised to pick pumpkins with stalks intact and cure them in dry, ventilated areas—like greenhouses or sunny windowsills—for a couple of weeks. This process hardens their skins, ensuring they remain fresh for Halloween and beyond.
This year’s extraordinary harvest highlights the delicate balance between environmental challenges and natural resilience, providing a reason for optimism among gardeners and fruit lovers alike.