Pumpkin picking is a great way for you and the kids to spend an autumn day. Many farms take pumpkin pickers out to their patches on hayrides. Pumpkins could weigh anywhere from two to 60 pounds. Selecting the perfect pumpkin is always a tough task for our family. Look for pumpkins with a uniform bright orange color, and check the surface for scrapes, blemishes or dents. Select one that feels heavy for its size and makes a full sound when you knock on it. Most importantly, be sure that the pumpkin doesn't have any mold on its surface, especially around the stem. That will signal potential rot.
For everything you ever wanted to know about pumpkins, visit this excellent site produced by the University of Illinois Pumpkins and More. Once you're ready to start carving and decorating, this Disney Crafts site will give you some excellent ideas: FamilyFun: Pumpkin Carving and Decorating.
Local newspapers are usually an excellent source for information on nearby pumpkin patches as well as pumpkin fairs and festivals. For other suggestions on places to pick your pumpkins, as well as information on where to find pumpkin festivals, corn mazes and other activities, check out www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org.
