GARDENERS at the Kingston Lacy estate have lost a “significant” amount of seasonal crop because of this year’s changeable weather. 

Pumpkins and squashes have had to be harvested a month early, with the gardeners blaming climate change. 

The changeable weather is making gardening, particularly kitchen gardening, much harder for the trust’s gardeners as traditional dates for sowing and planting cannot always be relied upon.  

This year’s pumpkin harvesting is the earliest it has ever been at Wimborne-based estate with only half the crop surviving.  

(Image: Alex Dixon Photography)

Kingston Lacy head gardener Andrew Hunt said: “Pumpkins need a long, hot growing season to do well.

"Unfortunately, we had a cold and prolonged spring, which meant that germination took place later than normal and then the cooler and wetter conditions over the summer really haven’t helped.  

“This coupled with the cold, wet spell at the beginning of September has brought the growing season to a much earlier end than normal.”  

Meanwhile slugs, which have thrived in this year’s wet weather, have eaten most of the squashes at Arlington Court in Devon and this, alongside the bad weather, has caused the loss of over 150 squash and pumpkin plants — the majority of their crop.  

Many National Trust houses and gardens create autumnal displays, provide seasonal dishes in their cafes and restaurants, and also sell the remaining pumpkins and squashes to visitors.  

However, this year, there will be fewer to use at Kingston Lacy. 

Andrew added that this year’s displays will be “more creative” but, while they will be on the menu in the cafe, they won’t be on sale for too long. 

He said: “We are going to have to continue to review how the climate is impacting all of the produce that we grow here, and we may need to review the varieties in the coming years.  

“If pumpkin harvests continue to fluctuate, we will have to adapt our growing methods.”  

The pumpkins and squashes are grown in the Victorian kitchen garden of Kingston Lacy’s estate, which is being restored to its former glory. 

Built in 1876 at a cost of £180,000 in today's currency, the Kitchen Garden has been restored over several years for use in the Stable Cafe.