Autumn
Pumpkin patches.
A pumpkin patch is a good excuse to meet a grower. Here’s how to make the most of it.
Guide now · Listings comingChoosing a pumpkin
- Look for a firm rind with no soft spots, cuts, or mold.
- Lift it by the bottom, not the stem. A stem can break off.
- Pick for the job: larger, smooth pumpkins for carving; smaller “pie” types for cooking. Ask the farm which is which.
- Carved pumpkins last longer when kept cool and out of direct sun.
Questions worth asking
- Which varieties do you grow, and where did the seed come from?
- Are the pumpkins grown here or brought in?
- Is there anything besides pumpkins to buy that’s made on the farm?
Before you go
Hours, admission, and pick-your-own rules vary widely, and some patches close early when supplies run out. Check with the farm first.
Bring cash as well as a card in case a stand is cash-only, and wear shoes you don’t mind getting muddy.
Stay close to the ground
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