After concerns in the spring about the lack of insects to pollinate the fruit trees, the harvest has been surprisingly abundant.

A drought through most of the summer and some extreme heat in August affected normal ripening and picking times.

Apples started falling in July and others still clung to the trees into December. The usual picking seasons for different varieties were disrupted; some earlier than expected and others much later.

More extreme climatic conditions and heavy rain in autumn have stressed some trees causing watercore in some apple varieties. This is a physiological disorder where the inside of the apple has a glassy appearance and makes the flesh much sweeter.

Two really successful courses, Summer Pruning and Grafting, took place on one day in July. The weather was miserable in the morning but a lively mix of people with a wide range of knowledge and experience coped with that cheerfully. A thorough recce of the orchard and some practical work generated lots of questions about Summer Pruning. 

The weather improved in the afternoon for the grafting activity and after some concentrated practise with chip budding we were able to have a go on pretend rootstocks. 

In this genial atmosphere the participants appeared to be very appreciative especially with the useful discussions about various aspects of orcharding.

Look out for more courses coming up soon!