When is pumpkin patch season, and how do you choose a good pumpkin?
Short version: pumpkin patch season is Sep to Oct, with peak weekends in October. Choose a pumpkin that is heavy for its size, has no soft spots and still has a good stem; carry it from the bottom, not by the stem.
When do pumpkin patches open?
Most open in late September and run to Halloween. Many close soon after, so call if you want a pumpkin for Thanksgiving.
How do you choose a good pumpkin?
Illinois Extension: look for 1 to 2 inches of stem, no blemishes or soft spots, and weight that feels heavy for its size. Shape does not matter. For pie, pick small sugar or pie pumpkins, about 4 to 8 pounds.
How do you make a pumpkin last?
Iowa State Extension suggests a cool, dry spot with pumpkins not touching. Keep them away from apples. A carved pumpkin lasts only days.
Where are pumpkin patches?
We list 1,046 pumpkin patches, for example:
- Bennett's Best Christmas Trees and Pumpkins, Murrieta, CA
- Bennett's Best Christmas Trees and Pumpkins, Agoura Hills, CA
- Bennett's Best Christmas Trees and Pumpkins, Stevenson Ranch, CA
- Brown's Family Farm Market, Ross, OH
- Circle S Farms, Grove City, OH
- Clancy's Christmas Trees - Pumpkin Patch, Daly City, CA
- Meadeville Farm Pumpkin Patch, Seneca Falls, NY
- Cleburne Pumpkin Patch, Cleburne, TX
- 23rd Annual Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival, Riner, VA
- Arata's Pumpkin Farm, Half Moon Bay, CA
- Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont, CA
- Bear Creek Pumpkin Patch at Fox Creek Ranch, Merced, CA
See pumpkin patches near you and corn maze season.
Quick questions
When is pumpkin patch season?
Late September through October, peaking in October.
How do you pick a good pumpkin?
Heavy for its size, no soft spots and a stem of an inch or two. Carry it from the bottom.
Sources
- Illinois Extension: choosing a pumpkin
- Illinois Extension: preserve your pumpkins
- Iowa State Extension: how to store pumpkins
General guidance, not advice for a specific farm. Farm rules, prices and dates vary, so check with the farm.