The Best Locations In The UK To Grow Apples
If there is one fruit that feels truly and properly British, it is the apple. From orchard picnics to homemade crumble, apples have been part of our gardens and our history for centuries. But if you are thinking about planting your own tree, or you are simply curious about where the best British apples come from, you might be wondering which parts of the UK give apples the best chance to thrive. The good news is that apples are wonderfully adaptable, but a few regions really do stand out as apple growing heaven.
Kent
It would be almost rude not to start with Kent. Nicknamed the Garden of England for very good reason, Kent has been a fruit growing powerhouse for hundreds of years. The county enjoys a lovely mild climate, decent rainfall and rich, well draining soil, all of which apple trees absolutely love. Kent is home to countless commercial orchards and it is where many of our most popular apple varieties, including the beloved Bramley, have found a natural home. If you are planting in Kent, you are following in some seriously experienced footsteps.
Herefordshire and Worcestershire
Head over to the Welsh borders and you will find yourself in cider country, and there is a very good reason for that. Herefordshire and Worcestershire boast a warm sheltered climate thanks to the surrounding hills, along with fertile soil that apple trees find utterly irresistible. This is the beating heart of English cider production, so if you fancy growing apples with a view to pressing your own cider one day, this region practically has it in its blood. The long growing season here helps apples develop plenty of natural sweetness too.
The Clyde Valley
Yes, Scotland grows apples too. The Clyde Valley, south of Glasgow, has a surprisingly favourable microclimate thanks to the sheltering hills and the river running through it. Historically this area was famous for its orchards and glasshouses, and hardy apple varieties still do well here today. It shows that with the right shelter and south facing slopes, even a cooler northern climate can produce a decent crop.
County Armagh
No tour of British apple growing would be complete without a stop in County Armagh in Northern Ireland, proudly nicknamed the Orchard County. This is the historic home of the Bramley apple in Ireland, and Armagh grows more apples than anywhere else on the island. The secret lies in its unique geology and gentle drumlin landscape, small rolling hills formed by glaciers, which create sheltered pockets perfect for blossom. The soil is fertile and well drained, and the maritime climate brings soft rain and mild temperatures without harsh extremes. Every spring the Armagh orchards burst into a stunning display of pink and white blossom, drawing visitors from across the island for the famous Apple Blossom Sunday celebrations. Armagh Bramleys are prized for their sharp, tangy flavour, making them perfect for baking and cooking.
Somerset
With its gentle rolling hills and mild maritime climate, Somerset offers apple trees a cosy and forgiving environment. The West Country in general benefits from the warming influence of the Gulf Stream, which helps keep frosts at bay during those crucial blossom periods in spring. Late frosts are one of the biggest threats to a good apple harvest, so anywhere that avoids the worst of them gets a big thumbs up from apple growers everywhere.
East Anglia
If you love a crisp eating apple, East Anglia might just be your happy place. Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex enjoy some of the driest and sunniest weather in the UK, which suits apples beautifully. Less rainfall means fewer problems with fungal diseases, and plenty of sunshine helps apples develop that gorgeous colour and flavour we all want to bite into. The flat, open landscape also makes for excellent air flow around the trees, which helps keep them healthy and happy.
The South West and Devon
Devon shares much of that lovely mild West Country climate we mentioned with Somerset, making it another fantastic spot for apple growing. Sheltered valleys and a temperate climate mean trees here are rarely troubled by harsh extremes, and local growers have long taken advantage of this with beautiful traditional orchards dotted across the countryside.
What Makes A Location Great For Apples
So what is the secret ingredient across all these regions? A few things tend to crop up again and again. Apple trees love a spot with good drainage, since soggy roots are never a happy sight. They also need a decent amount of winter chill to properly rest before bursting into blossom come spring, something the UK climate provides in spades. Shelter from strong winds helps protect delicate blossom, and a good balance of sunshine and rainfall through the growing season keeps everything ticking along nicely.