A pumpkin shortage is expected this Halloween as wet weather and an ‘army of slugs’ have impacted crops across the UK. The National Trust has reported that cold and wet weather in September has affected the growth of plants in their gardens, resulting in reduced squash and pumpkin yields ahead of Halloween.
At Kingston Lacy in Dorset, pumpkins and squashes had to be harvested a month earlier than usual, with only half of the normal crop being saved. The head gardener, Andrew Hunt, noted that pumpkins require a long, hot growing season to thrive, which was impeded by the adverse weather conditions earlier in the year.
Similarly, Arlington Court in Devon and Nostell in West Yorkshire have also experienced poor squash and pumpkin harvests, attributing the losses to the wet spring and early summer, along with slug infestations. The tough growing season has been a challenge for vegetable gardeners, as highlighted by the National Trust’s plant health and sustainability consultant, Rebecca Bevan.
To combat slug damage, gardeners can use copper tape around pots and apply mulch to deter slugs and snails from attacking young plants. Despite challenges faced by gardens like Dunham Massey and Sissinghurst Castle Garden, some, such as Tyntesfield and Calke Abbey, managed to catch up with the pumpkin growing season after a slow start.
The impact of the weather conditions on pollinating insects, particularly bumblebees, has been noted at Sissinghurst Castle Garden. Lower populations of bumblebees contributed to a slightly reduced pumpkin crop this year. The National Trust advises gardeners to adapt to changing conditions and employ strategies to protect plants from pests and adverse weather.
As gardens continue to navigate the challenges of the growing season, efforts are being made to salvage as much of the pumpkin and squash crops as possible for Halloween displays. Despite setbacks, gardeners are determined to make the most of the remaining harvest and provide festive decorations for visitors to enjoy.