downsmail.co.uk
Fruit crops hit by frost, winds and lack of rain
FARMERS predict a short season this year for cherry and fruit crops after the recent cold snap, writes Dennis Fowle.
Leading cherry grower Brian Piper, with orchards off Hubbards Lane in Loose, believes he has lost about half his crop to frost damage and icy weather. Mr Piper and his
daughter
Rachel Sands have spent their nights driving their frost-buster heating machine up and down the avenues of trees in an effort to pro- tect the blossom.
Mr Piper said: “It has been very challenging and expensive – as bad as I can remember. There will be no June cherries this year. I think the picking season will start well into July and could run as late as mid-August.” The pair covered the trees with protective polythene, steel tunnels, and netting, but the fierce winds of late May ripped some of them
down, resulting in some time-con- suming repair work . Apricot growers also lost much of their crop and Bramley apple trees appear to have been severely damaged. The plum and pear crops may be surviving better. Local grape farmers are also re- porting frost damage. Balfour Winery, based on The Hush Heath Estate in Staplehurst, estimates 5-10% of the crop could be lost and the season is about five weeks behind, due to the cold and
Rachel Sands shows how the gales devastated polytunnels and steel
supports in the Loose cherry orchard
early lack of rain. Many gardeners across Maidstone are reporting a late and disappointing season of spring blooms.
Magnolia blossom trees were in full bloom one day and a brown mess the next. Azaleas and hy- drangeas have also been hard hit. Much of Europe has been rav- aged by the frosts and, in France, up to a third of the grape crop has been lost, leading to substantial Government support to help growers.
News
Trials at hotel CRIMINAL trials are to be held at
the Great Danes Hotel in Maid- stone, according to reports. Kent's first “pop-up” court will
be used to deal with the huge back- log of cases in the justice system caused by the COVID-19 crisis. The hearings will be held in the grounds and the Mercure's busi- ness will carry on as normal. Last year, Downs Mail revealed the backlog of cases meant trials were taking longer to be heard.
Bus changes
WHEN Maidstone’s new-look bus station opens on August 2 it will be safer, brighter and more informa- tive for passengers. The refurbishment includes new
CCTV, enhanced lighting, and im- proved public announcements. It is a joint venture involving Maidstone and Kent County coun- cils, Arriva, Nu-Venture and own- ers of The Mall Shopping Centre.
Hockey club MARDEN Russets Hockey Club is
marking its 100-year anniversary with a celebratory weekend on September 4 and 5.
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