By Eagle Times Staff
HOLLIS, N.H. — In a normal year, the next fruit that would coming into season in New Hampshire would be plums. However, there is not expected to be any plum crop in the state this summer.
A severe cold snap that affected the state in February damaged many fruit trees including the region’s plum trees. “There are no plums, all buds froze in February. Zero crop,” reported Lavoie’s Farm in Hollis. Other New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association plum growers had similar short responses due to a lack of crop this year. “No plums!” said Arthur Kelly of Kelly Orchards in Acton, Maine. “No plums along with peaches,” shared Robert Larocque of Carter Hill Orchard in Concord.
Plums are not widely grown in New Hampshire, so locally grown plums will likely have very limited availability this year, if any at all. According to the 2017 New Hampshire Census of Agriculture there are 32 farms in the state that grow plums comprising about 10 acres of land in the state. A few growers produce hybrids of plums and apricots such as plumcots or pluots.
Check for updates from your local orchard to see what they are offering throughout the summer and fall! To find an orchard near you, check out the NHFGA website at https://www.nhfruitgrowers.org/find-an-orchard/.
As your daily newspaper, we are committed to providing you with important local news coverage for Sullivan County and the surrounding areas.