THIS summer's heatwave has led to a shortage of pumpkins.

Emily and Guy French, of Foxes Farm, Aldham, and Basildon, said extreme heat and drought has significantly impacted yield.

Mr and Mrs French own Foxes Farm, one of the UK’s leading pumpkin wholesale growers.

They revealed that due to extreme weather, the harvest of pumpkins was down by a third this year compared to last.

The farm reported the quality of crop was good but the yield of crop was significantly reduced due to the damaging heat and lack of water.

The seasonal fruit is highly susceptible to heat and water conditions and this year’s incessant sun caused vines to abort growing any additional fruit, effecting yield of crop.

The farm further reported that on average, growing costs have gone up by 400 per cent.

The cost of seed, fertilizer and nutrients had quadrupled with the cost of fertilizer pushing £1,000 per tonne.

In addition, the price of diesel has doubled.

Guy said: “It’s one thing filling up your car but imagine filling up a fleet of tractors to run constantly.

“If we were amateur growers, we would’ve been absolutely written off this year.”

High energy costs, as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, has also impacted on the cost of growing this year’s harvest.

Despite all of this, Foxes Farm will still be running seasonal activities at both its Basildon and Aldham sites.

Families will still be able to enjoy the autumnal experience of coming to pick their own pumpkins.

The pick your own pumpkins have a longer growing period and so are still in the ground. The additional rain showers in past days have helped to beef them up slightly.

This year’s events are set to be bigger than before, with a running bar, catering, ice cream and an American truck in the field as well as pumpkin picking.

Night time picking events will also be held at the Aldham site as part of the Halloween experience.

The addition of new hours means that adults can even enjoy a drink at the bar, whilst picking their fruit.