My new house has a walnut tree which is already dropping on the ground – can I dry/store these now?

Question

I was led to believe gang walnuts couldn’t be harvested until the autumn but the tree is dropping now – is it worth harvesting/ drying these now?

Answer 1

If they are fully ripe, then there will be no reason why you couldn't. If they are not ripe, then they will not be worth harvesting.

Sometimes they will shed nuts that they cannot support on the tree. This is done by very young trees, or very old trees to conserve nutrients.

If this becomes excessive, then there could be a phosphorus and potassium deficiency.

This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/nut-trees/walnut/planting-walnut-trees.htm