On August 28th, 2024, the Horticultural Society of Preston, Elmstone, and Stourmouth had the pleasure of hosting a fascinating lecture titled "Nuts from Around the World," presented by Jacqueline Aviolet of Rosie's Garden Plants in Aylesford. This insightful presentation offered a wealth of knowledge on how to grow, harvest, and enjoy a variety of nuts. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just beginning your horticultural journey, the tips shared are sure to help you cultivate a more abundant and diverse nut harvest.

Maximizing Your Nut Harvest
One of the key takeaways from Jacqueline's lecture was the technique of brutting. For those unfamiliar with this term, brutting is a practice that can significantly enhance your nut yield. You can do this on any type of hazel, cobnut, or purple hazel.
"All you do is snap (but don’t break off) the ends of all the new shoots that were made this year. Count up to six or seven leaves on the new shoot from where it comes out of the older wood and snap the shoot there. This will stop the tree trying to make a new shoot and force the bit below the snap to make more flowers, which will turn into more nuts next year. That’s it!" By employing this method, you ensure that the female flowers on your nut trees are easily found by the male catkins, leading to a better crop and a higher quantity of nuts.
Another valuable tip was maintaining your nut trees at a manageable height. It's recommended to keep your trees around 8 feet tall, which not only makes harvesting easier but also prevents the trees from growing into towering giants of 30 feet or more.
Pest Control and Tree Maintenance
If you’ve been struggling with weevils, Jacqueline had a simple and natural solution: chickens! These industrious birds can help keep weevil populations in check. Alternatively, packing snow or ice cubes around the base of your nut shrubs can also deter these pests.
When it comes to pruning, don’t discard those stems! Nut tree stems are incredibly flexible and strong, making them perfect for trellising, roofing, or even creating a choric. Not only will this reduce waste, but it also provides you with valuable materials for other projects in your garden.
Storing and Enjoying Your Nuts
Storage is crucial to preserving the quality of your nuts. For example, cobnuts should be stored in a cool, dry place to keep them fresh. Hazelnuts, in particular, are a versatile ingredient—An airtight container helps in storaginhazelnuts and you can keep hazelnuts in the fridge or the freezer. This helps them to maintain maximum freshness. Did you know, they can stay in top condition in a resealable bag or container in the freezer for up to 12 months? As a cooking ingredient, toast them to bring out their oils, then using them in bread making, which when toasted pairs wonderfully with honey. If you're feeling adventurous in the kitchen, why not make your own hazelnut butter or hazelnut oil? Both are delicious and add a unique flavor to your dishes.

Exploring Exotic Nuts
The lecture also covered some more exotic nuts that you might consider adding to your garden. Did you know that it’s possible to grow peanuts in the UK? Although they’re part of the legume family, peanuts thrive in a hot spot in your garden. They have an intriguing growing process: after flowering, the plants bend and push their pods back into the ground, where they mature. They’re typically ready to harvest in October when the stalks and leaves start to yellow.
Macadamia nuts were also discussed, with a handy tip: if you can’t hear the nut rattle inside the shell when you shake it, the shell will be tough to crack. And for those who enjoy a culinary challenge, consider trying cashew ice cream. But be cautious—the cashew apple, which the nut grows from, is poisonous and must be handled carefully.
The Fascinating World of Brazil Nuts and Walnuts
Brazil nuts are a marvel in themselves. These nuts grow in enormous trees that can reach up to 160 feet in height and live for over a thousand years. The trees produce large, football-sized fruits that house 8-24 Brazil nuts. However, it’s important to store them correctly, as they can become carcinogenic if improperly handled. Interestingly, the root system of Brazil nuts gives off a slightly radioactive reading, which has found use in certain industrial applications.
Finally, we delved into the mysteries of walnut trees. These trees release a toxic chemical that inhibits the growth of nearby plants, giving their seedlings a better chance of survival. It’s a powerful reminder of the complex interactions in nature and how even the smallest details can impact the success of your garden.
Conclusion
The "Nuts from Around the World" lecture, led by Jacqueline Aviolet, was an entertaining and informative journey through the diverse and sometimes surprising world of nuts. We hope her tips inspire you to try new varieties, explore different growing techniques, and, of course, enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor. Whether you’re growing peanuts in your garden or crafting hazelnut butter in your kitchen, there’s a whole world of nuts waiting to be discovered. Happy gardening!
Our thanks to Jaqueline for her delightful talk.
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