noun: the process or period of gathering in crops.

Originates from the old English hærfest ‘autumn’.

Since pagan times, Harvest has been a time to appreciate the abundance offered by the land as crops come into maturity. Gathering from fields and with friends. Feasting and making merry, while giving thanks to nature and giving back to others.

Celebrations vary across cultures, from prayer to decorations and donations. In England, Harvest Festival is traditionally held on the Sunday closest to the Harvest Moon and autumn equinox. Villages in the past would wait until all the crops had been brought in, the community working to the last moment. Only celebrating once there was enough for winter, with a farm supper known as the ‘Harvest Home’.

Today, parishes still gather and children raid the pantry for tins to donate. Proud growers give their veg to those in need, or hold allotment contests with prizes for the longest bean and brightest pumpkin. 

At The Newt, Harvest is about celebrating the hard work of our gardeners throughout the year. This year has a deeper resonance, as more of our team became gardeners and growers during lockdown. Working the land to keep a steady supply of produce that we can now share with you.

ESTATE VEGETABLE BOX

Hold on to your spades, it’s a special moment for us: for the first time, our vegetable boxes contain only produce grown on our estate. 

Coming out of the ground now are carrots, onions, beetroots, sugar snap peas, sweetcorn, sticcoli and three types of kale – cavolo nero, green, red. Soon we’ll have chicory and squash, ready for roasting.

Try our Estate Vegetable boxes for yourself – now available to purchase here with free next day delivery.

Dug from the ground and delivered to your kitchen, quicker than you can say ‘tromboncino’. 

Order by 3pm for next day delivery.

CELEBRATE WITH US

25 – 27 SEPTEMBER

Join us over Harvest weekend to honour our most abundant time of year. 

Expect displays, feasting and a Vegetable Honesty Box.

WATCH NOW

This week Arthur Cole joins Rose, our Head of Edible Gardens, to explore the transition taking shape in our gardens as our vegetable beds shift from light salads and beans, to hardy brassicas and roots.