Raring2go! top tips to make the most out of pumpkin picking this Autumn

It’s that great time of year again, where our carving skills come to the fore… It’s Pumpkin picking time! To ensure you have the right pumpkins we have some top tips to make the most out of the pumpkin picking season:

Before you go:

🎃 Go early in the season – The best pumpkins get picked first, so if you want a wide selection, go sooner rather than later.

👟 Wear practical shoes – Patches can be muddy or uneven. Wellies, boots or old trainers are your best friends.

🧥 Dress in layers – At this time of year, it’s chilly , so dress up in those warm layers!

Choosing the right pumpkin:

✅ Check the skin – Pick pumpkins with firm, hard skin and no soft spots or cracks.

🍂 Look for a sturdy stem – A green, firm stem is a sign of freshness (but don’t lift it by the stem—it can snap!).

⚖️ Test the weight – A ripe pumpkin feels heavy for its size.

☀️ Pick from the field, not the pile – If you can, we recommend that you pick directly from the field and not from the piles, that way you’ll be sure to have freshest one!

Practical tips:

🛒 Bring something to carry them – A trolley or sturdy bag makes carrying your pumpkins much easier.
📸 Take advantage of the photo ops – Pumpkin patches are perfect for seasonal pictures.
🧼 Clean them before carving – Wipe down your pumpkin to remove dirt and bacteria, which helps them last longer.
🌽 Check for extras – Many farms also have cafes & farm shops full of local grown produce and are always good quality and fresh!

We hope you have a fantastic time picking and carving your pumpkins for Halloween!