If you and your child enjoy picking your own pumpkins from a local pick your own farm, you want to make the most of the bonding experience. These pumpkin picking tips will help you enjoy your day out, and pick the best pumpkins possible, whether you're
throwing a pumpkin party, or just decorating for the harvest season.
Pumpkin Picking Tips - What to Bring
It can still be hot during October in some parts of the country, be sure to bring water bottles, sunscreen and bug spray with you. Also, some pick your own farms will give you a pruner to cut the pumpkin from the vine, but you might want to bring your own. Other things to bring:
- A small wagon (because pumpkins are heavy!)
- Cash, in case the farm doesn't take checks or credit cards
- Wear old shoes, boots or sneakers
- Leave baby wipes in the car, for quick clean-up
Pumpkin Picking - Picking a Great Pumpkin
Pumpkins can last until Thanksgiving or Christmas, if you don't carve them. Whether you carve or not, below are tips on picking a great pumpkin.
- If you plan to carve your pumpkin, bring your designs with you to make sure the pumpkins are the right size for your design.
- Be sure to roll your pumpkin over to look for soft spots, cracks, rot, or insects.
- Small pumpkins are generally used for cooking, medium-sized pumpkins are good for carving.
- Sometimes people prefer perfect looking pumpkins, but when you're pumpkin picking, look for oddly shaped pumpkins as they can make great jack-o-lanterns.
- Don't pick the pumpkin up by its stem, it may break off, and ruin the look of the pumpkin.
