Pumpkin patches in Rutland among those affected by bad weather
National Trust gardeners believe the cold and wet conditions last month meant a lot stopped growing
"Abysmal" pumpkin harvests this season are down to an "army of slugs" and dreary weather, National Trust gardeners have said.
The heritage charity said September's cold and wet weather meant many plants at its gardens stopped growing and needed harvesting early, with its gardeners reporting reduced squash and pumpkin crops ahead of Halloween.
Among the worst affected was Kingston Lacy in Dorset, where pumpkins and squashes had to be harvested a month earlier than usual, marking the earliest ever harvest for the property.
Only half of the country house and estate's normal crop was saved, the National Trust added.
Andrew Hunt, head gardener at Kingston Lacy, 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."
But Rutland Pumpkins near Oakham say although it's been a tough season they still have plenty of pumpkins on their patch.
James is from there and says:
"We've been running a pumpkin patch for the last six years. We've had quite a challenging this time this year.
"The yield is about 60% of what it normally is.
"It was a challenging time when we tried to sow the pumpkins. So in May when we put the pumpkins in the ground it was quite cold and wet.
"Plants obviously need two things to grow they need sunshine and water. We've had plenty of water but quite limited sunshine this year.
"I know a couple of places that aren't even able to open because they haven't got the crop.
"It's two things for us - we want to make some extra money but I'm really passionate about getting people out onto the farm so they can learn about food and where it comes from.
"We've drilled about four acres of pumpkins. We've moved some to the front of the plot as it wasn't looking as full as we might have liked.
"People like to come and take photos with lots of pumpkins around them so they will still be able to do that. It's not been the best year but we are still feeling positive".
Rebecca Bevan, plant health and sustainability consultant at the National Trust, said 2024 was a challenging growing season for most vegetable gardeners.
She added: "But the rain was great for many garden plants, meaning they experienced no drought stress."
Ms Bevan said placing copper tape around pots, and using a mulch of gravel, wood shavings or sharp sand can help keep slugs and snails away.
The cold and wet start to summer reduced the number of pollinating insects needed to fertilise flowers, the National Trust added.