Reserve A Pumpkin

I have read recently that there may be a shortage of pumpkins this fall and a wondering if I should go ahead and pick one out for carving at Halloween. My kids would be very disappointed if we don’t have a jack o lantern but I am afraid that it might be too early?

Actually, it might be difficult to keep a pumpkin in good shape until Halloween, however, as a Halloween lover, I understand your desire to make sure that the kids have a pumpkin to carve. There have been reports that pumpkins may be at a premium, but I don’t think that they will be impossible to find. If you just have to pick one early, be sure that you keep the stem in tack because it is the site of bacterial rot in many pumpkins. Also, don’t leave it in one position on the ground and try to keep it cool and dry. I would suggest that you check with a local farmer to pre purchase a pumpkin. That way, you can leave it on the vine for a little while and still be assured that your kids get to carve a jack o lantern for Halloween.