Picking a pumpkin at a pumpkin patch is a great way to make memories with the family. Before you go to the pumpkin patch, it’s good to know how to my perfect pumpkin picking tips!
Is it just me or are those supermarket pumpkins expensive and full of blemishes and odd shapes? Finding the right pumpkin is a little easier when you go to a pumpkin farm.
Not only do they have the right kind of pumpkins but they usually look healthier too. I’ve also found some amazing pumpkins when attending fall festivals.
Perfect Pumpkin Picking Techniques
To avoid getting a pumpkin that will spoil early, check pumpkin for…
- Soft spots
- Wrinkles
- Mold
- Cuts
Pumpkins For Carving
Jack-O-Lanterns are bred specifically for carving, with their rigid walls, strong flesh, and hollow center which is perfect for holding a candle. There are other varieties that can also be carved. Such as the Lumina, which has an orange interior flesh. When a candle is added it gives off a ghostly glow through its white skin.
Tips for Carving
- A green stem is a good indicator that it was harvested recently. You probably won’t find a green stem in the grocery store. The best place to get the freshest pumpkin is at a real pumpkin patch.
Here’s a look at what an older pumpkin looks like. The stem has turned dark.
- Another indicator of a fresh pumpkin is a hard bottom. Turn the pumpkin over, and push on the bottom. If it gives or seems soft, it’s probably not fresh.
- Choose a pumpkin that’s firm, and heavy for its size.
- Make sure the pumpkin you choose has consistent coloring throughout.
- If you plan to carve your pumpkin, choose one that has a flat bottom. Do this by placing it on a flat surface to see if it sits level. This will help greatly if you plan to add a candle to the inside of your perfect pumpkin.
Perfect Pumpkin Picking Tips for Painting
Varieties to pick for painting can include Lumina, Orange Smoothie, & Cotton Candy.
Any pumpkin with smooth skin and small ridges is ideal for painting.
Easy Decorating Tips For Moms & Kids!
Decorating pumpkins doesn’t have to be difficult or dangerous. It can be as easy as painting!
For busy moms like me, sometimes you just need an easy route that the kids can help with. Stickers to the rescue! I haven’t tried stickers yet, but one year I did get a set that looked like Mr. Potato parts, but they were made for pumpkins. I couldn’t find them to link to them, sorry.
Tips for Eating/Cooking
All pumpkin varieties are edible. Larger pumpkins contain less sugar. They are not only good for carving but can be used for soup, and other dishes.
If you carve a pumpkin it will not be edible after using it for decoration. Smaller pumpkins contain more sugar and are perfect for muffins, bread, and other desserts.
Don’t forget that all of the seeds are edible also! Roasted pumpkins seeds are a favorite in our home each year.
I just love these peach colored pumpkins. We got some of these last year. At the end of the season, I let the chickens eat them! Check out 3 Awesome Reasons For Feeding Pumpkins to Chickens.
Pumpkin Recipes
- Pumpkin Ginger Coconut Soup
- Peanut Butter and Pumpkin (or applesauce) Chicken and Dog Treats
- Pumpkin Pie
- Pumpkin Muffins
- Chewy Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
I’d love To Know what you think!… Leave me a comment!
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Interesting piece- we’re off to our first pumpkin patch this week 🙂
Awesome! I hope it was wonderful!
I can’t wait to find myself at a pumpkin patch! I didn’t get a chance to go last year, which made me sad. I can’t really carve because I can’t cut straight lines, so I usually paint them with glow in the dark paint. I am on a sugar skull kick so I may do that theme this year. Thanks for the tips!
I’m pretty excited as well to find some pumpkins this year. I understand about the carving. It’s pretty difficult and can take hours to do. I love the sugar skull idea though. I’m not quite sure what we will do this year. I was thinking of a mixture of painting and fabric covered faux pumpkins maybe?
Thanks for stopping by Leslie!