Guide to Pumpkin Picking

I♥Halloween > Pumpkin Picking

Photo by Penny Gumulja, via Free Images

Photo by Penny Gumulja, via Free Images

What better way to start the Fall season than with some Pumpkin Picking? Many families consider it to be an annual tradition to pick the best pumpkins to use for decorations and cooking or baking. Pumpkin patches are sometimes set up by themselves or can be found at local festivals as one of the main attractions. Depending on the size of the patch, you’ll have thousands of pumpkins varying in size (and even shape!) to choose from.

If you’re picking pumpkins to use as Halloween decor, be sure to pick the right size for carving or painting. You’ll want to assure it is big enough to fit your creation of choice! Also, if you have something in mind that is more portrait style, a taller, more oval-shaped pumpkin is ideal. While wandering through the pumpkin patch, it is important to look out for any pumpkins that are bruised or have a number of soft spots. These types of things could cause the pumpkin to rot a lot faster than you’d like. The outside of your chosen pumpkin should  feel hard and the stem should be attached, which also makes carrying much easier!

Select Your State From the Chart Below to Find a Pumpkin Patch in Your Area

Alabama
Alaska
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

More About Pumpkin Picking

Pumpkin Picking is one of Fall’s most popular traditions and makes for some great family bonding time. Many spend the day finding the right pumpkins to use at home in a variety of ways. They can be carved into Jack O’ Lanterns or painted with something spooky and used as Halloween décor or they can be used for cooking and baking. Pumpkins come in all sorts of sizes; some have even weighed in at over 1,000 pounds!

Originating in North America, The United States produces 680,000 tons of pumpkins each year – Illinois being its top pumpkin producing state. Although most are grown there, they are found everywhere else in the world as well, except one continent – Antarctica. We’re assuming it would be quite difficult to grow them in that type of environment!

So, where exactly did the word “pumpkin” come from? The name emerged from the Greek word “pepon,” which means “large melon.” The meaning says it all and sure fits well with the name. Since the pumpkin is a popular part of the season, it was only right to offer pumpkin picking! It’s a great way to support local farmers and gives everyone the chance to pick the perfect size and best looking pumpkin for their family. It’s also a great time for a photo op, who doesn’t love seeing babies and children surrounded by pumpkins?! We know we sure do!

pumpkin picking on LI pumpkins in basket

We hope you have found the ideal Pumpkin Picking Destination in Your Area to Enjoy this Fall! 

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