Mudpie Fridays >> Halloween >> 19 Pumpkin Picking Top Tips

19 Pumpkin Picking Top Tips

Pumpkin Picking seems to have become as popular in the UK as it is in America. And we are officially now in October when we find ourselves in pumpkin month! With pumpkin picking patches springing up all over the place. We live on the Sussex and Surrey border and have been spoilt with the number of different places to go. Albeit we didn’t really get into pumpkin picking until we had kids. Kids seem to do that to you. A lot of things we would have taken for granted suddenly become way more important as they become baby’s first or some sort of milestone to record. Plus as they get older it is all about going Trick or Treating! You have been warned once you start the tradition of picking your own pumpkin it is a hard one to break. We also like to visit an apple orchard for apple picking this time of year.

So if this is your first time of giving pumpkin picking a try then I thought these handy pumpkin picking tips may help you make the most of your visit. As well as help you go in search of the perfect pumpkin. After all, this has been one of our family traditions now for 10 years so hopefully have picked up a few pointers along the way. If you think we have missed anything or have some other great tips then please let me know in the comments below and I will make sure I add it in.

Pumpkin Picking Top Tips

After years pumpkin picking I hope the following tips will help you when heading to pumpkin picking patches

Types of Pumpkin Patches

First of all, it is worth bearing in mind that there are various different types of pumpkin picking patches. Try saying that fast… There pick your own farms which are generally just as they sound. A simple field with lots of homegrown pumpkins ready to be picked. Then there are the pumpkin picking attractions which as well as pumpkins offer all sorts of extras. Such as elaborate photo opportunities for you to post on social media. Activities for the kids, food, drink and this year we have even found one selling pumpkin merchandise. Yes! You read right, pumpkin t-shirts and jumpers as well as a whole host of other souvenirs. As with everything, there are a whole host of places to pick pumpkins in between the two extremes. Before you start your research into where you go, it is worth working out what you would prefer.

You may have to pay entrance costs

Do not be surprised if for some of the patches that are more on the attraction end that you will have to pay an entrance fee. Generally, pyo pumpkin farms may charge a small entrance fee which is offset against the pumpkins. Such as Garsons Farm in Esher. Or some may be free admission. However, those which include activities for children or are full-on pumpkin festivals will most likely charge an entrance fee which is not refundable against pumpkins. At the moment the ticket prices are generally on the lower end and vary but it can easily add up to £20+ for general admission as a family of four once you include booking fees.

Booking tickets in advance

For the most popular farms and patches, tickets do sell out in advance. After all, there are only a set number of pumpkins to go around and normally a limited time. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep an eye on websites. They will normally also launch tickets via their social media channels with a link to booking. Some do not require you to book at all and just turn up. Which can be a lot more convenient with young kids in tow and then you can pick a day when there is dry weather.

When can you go pumpkin picking in the UK

Generally, pumpkin patches in the UK will open in October. However, there are a couple of more attraction style ones which open in late September. Plus the pyo farms will also more likely allow picking once the ripe pumpkin are ready and that is all dependent on the weather. Of course, if you want to carve a pumpkin for Halloween then you may wait until half term. Generally in our experience, you can go on festival weekends in October, and then all of half term week finishing the weekend of Halloween at the end of October. Of course the later you leave it the less choice you will have when picking your pumpkin. Unless of course….

Beware the ‘brought’ pumpkin fields

I have only really noticed this in the last couple of years as pumpkin patches become more commercialised. Again this tends to be Pick your own pumpkins places but instead of growing them in the field pumpkins are instead brought in and lined up to ‘pick’. Amongst some small element of grown pumpkins. The thing with this is that actually, you could buy exactly the same perfect jack-o-lantern pumpkins in Tesco for £1!

So be warned. I always look for pumpkin-picking patches offering authentically grown pumpkins. Those offering a wide variety of pumpkins in the fields, with odd-shaped pumpkins are normal authentic and tend to offer the best pumpkin.

Follow their social media channels

Many of the pumpkin patches near me are small businesses or a family farm. The best way to stay up to date with what is going on at the pumpkin field is to follow their social media channels. As their facebook page is where tickets will be announced, opening days and times and also an update on availability will be announced. It is a really useful way of ensuring you know as much as possible before turning up to your local pumpkin patch.

What to wear

You may want to dress the kids in some suitable Halloween outfits for cute photos. But also bear in mind it is Autumn so it goes without saying that many a pumpkin patch we have visited over the years is pretty muddy. So appropriate footwear is a must. These places are popular and if there has been rainfall, mixed with a lot of people will mean mud. If your kids are anything like mine they love the mud! So we always wear wellies to the pumpkin farm.

When to get the best photos

If you are looking for photo opportunities then first thing in the morning when they open is probably your best chance. Not only do they tend to be quieter but photos can look all soft in the early morning sun. Likewise, if you have a clear day then into the later afternoon can also work. Although you do need a clear day otherwise it gets damp, grey and can be quite dark.

Recently I have also discovered Pumpkin Picking in the dark – who knew that was a thing?

Parking at pumpkin picking near me

Some of the more commercialised locations will have car parks. Although we have found many of the pop-up style ‘pick your own pumpkin’ to have make-shift car parks. Normally part of the field itself. Great because it means you are close to the pumpkins. Not so good if it is wet and muddy. I have seen cars get stuck in the mud before. Especially later in the season when the grass has been driven over time and time again. Some have started to put down the metal tracks to drive on. But not all.

Again think about which car you bring if you are fortunate enough to have two. Pay attention to where you are driving and try and avoid the mud. Normally there are people on hand who can help you out if you do get stuck. Or if you have a smaller car that may struggle park on the surrounding roads if it is safe to do so and walk. All of the ones we have visited offer free parking.

Transporting your pumpkins – wheelbarrows

Most pumpkin-picking patches will come with wheelbarrows. In busy times you may have to wait to have access to one at some of the smaller pumpkin picking patches. We tend to arrive early to make sure we avoid having to wait. The boys like to take it in turns to push the wheelbarrow around. And the younger one loves to get pushed around in it as well. This of course adds to the excitement. The only slight problem is that if you have a wheelbarrow though the temptation is to fill it up!

Getting pumpkins home

The wheelbarrow will obviously need to be returned so I would also suggest bringing some sturdy bags or a box to transport them back into your house when you get home. It is also likely they may be muddy themselves so an old sheet or something to protect the back of the car may also be useful.

Choosing the Right Pumpkin

So how do you go about choosing the right pumpkin? We tend to end with some small pumpkins and interesting shaped gourds to decorate the fireplace with. As well as a carving pumpkin. One for each of the boys. I always look for somewhere with a wide selection of different varieties of pumpkins and smaller pumpkins for this reason.

It is really important when pumpkin picking that you make sure you pick one that is not damaged in any way. Pumpkins should be hard to the touch. And they should sound hollow when you tap them this indicates that they are ready for picking and most importantly a fresh pumpkin. Many are grown on their side and can be a bit flat or misshapen for this reason. Check to make sure the side that has been lying on the ground is not soft and mushy. It may be covered in mud which is fine but you do not want one that is soft or where the skin is broken in any way.

Obviously, it is personal preference when it comes to the type of pumpkin or the size of the pumpkins you choose. We tend to try and find a flat bottom. If possible a flat surface to attach a carving pattern to. To make the pumpkin carving design as easy as possible. The last couple of years the boys have stayed away from orange pumpkins instead opting for a white pumpkin each.

Keep its stalk

If your pumpkin has a stalk attached to a plant then ideally cut the stalk away leaving a good amount on the pumpkin itself. If not break it gently. Ideally, you want to keep the stalk on the pumpkin. Not only does this look good, but it is more practical for carving (easier to remove the lid) and it also helps preserve the freshness of your pumpkin. Removing the stalk can leave a small soft area that can start to rot. A green stem will over the time turn brown and dry.

Storing your pumpkin at home

A pumpkin will keep quite happily outside in the cool and dry for several weeks. Assuming that it is a good quality pumpkin to start with with no soft spots. So if you are going pumpkin picking in early October there is no reason why it would not last until Halloween as long as you do not carve it or damage it in any way.

How long does a carved pumpkin last?

Once you carve a pumpkin it does have a limited life span as you are exposing the soft flesh to the air. If you take as much flesh out as possible then it will last a little longer. Once carved if they are outside n the cool again they may last longer. Our carved pumpkins last about a week before we have to consign them to the compost heap. But this is more than enough to celebrate Halloween.

Don’t waste anything

One of my little bugbears about pumpkin picking is that it can lead to a lot of waste. So we purposefully look for edible varieties which are not always available in grocery stores. So that we can also use the inside of the pumpkin. As well as ensuring we roast the pumpkin seeds out of our carved pumpkins we often use the innards to make pumpkin pie or pumpkin soup. Both of which are a real hit with the kids.

How much is my pumpkin likely to cost

Generally, pumpkins are sold by size. The larger the pumpkin the more expensive it is. There is normally some sort of way of easily maturing the pumpkins. Either with different-sized boxes or holes. Prices at pumpkin picking near me can start from £2 and go all the way up to £20 for giant pumpkins. Generally, pumpkins are likely to be more expensive than buying them in th supermarket. But you get the variety in colour, shape and size which you will not get elsewhere.

Cash or card?

Normally pumpkin patches will take cards and I know a number near me that operates solely on card payments. Especially if they are offering somewhere to buy a hot drink, snack or Halloween-inspired treat. However, if your pumpkin patch is more of pyo pumpkins then I would have some cash just in case.

What sort of extras can you expect?

As I mentioned here in the UK we are starting to see more commercialised pumpkin picking patches. There are other things to keep the smaller children entertained than just the pumpkins. Such as farm animals, corn mazes, face painting, tractor rides, live music and pony rides. I have not seen any hay rides, wagon rides or giant corn maze yet but I am sure it will not be long. Many offer different fun activities for the Halloween season. Some offer hay bales as picnic areas and food trucks where you can pick up hot dogs and other snacks suitable for the whole family.