7 Tips for Your Autumn Pumpkin Harvest
It’s that time of year again, when the weather starts cooling down and the leaves start changing colors. Not only does this mean cider donuts, apple picking, and hayrides, it also means we’re rolling into PUMPKIN SEASON! The pumpkins are ripening up quick here on Thistle Downs Farm, and as we get the first round harvested, we want to take a minute to help you out too. Here are 7 tips to help get you going with your own autumn pumpkin harvest.
1. Check the color and hardness when deciding when to harvest
Your pumpkins are ready to harvest when they develop a deep orange color and a very hard, puncture-resistant rind. Try to sink your fingernail into the skin. If you can’t, it’s probably ready to be picked.
2. Don’t let your pumpkins freeze
Make sure to harvest your pumpkins before temperatures drop below 40F/5C. If they are exposed to frost, it could potentially kill them.
If a frost is forecasted earlier than expected, your pumpkins can be harvested with some green on them as they will continue to ripen off the vine. Just place them somewhere warm and sunny until they turn orange.
3. Your pumpkins can last a long time after being picked
As long as your pumpkins are healthy when picked and stored in temps above 40 degrees, they can last 2-3 months. Even if you pick them now, they might last you right through Thanksgiving.
4. Make sure to leave a stem on your pumpkins
Cut the stem long to lengthen the life of your pumpkin. Keep at least 3 inches of stem if possible, as this will slow your pumpkin’s rate of decay.
5. Don’t injure the stems when harvesting your pumpkins
When harvesting, don’t twist or rip the pumpkins off the vine. Instead, carefully cut the stem with a sharp knife or gardening shears, making sure to leave at least 3 inches of stem intact. A clean cut will allow the the stem to dry out and cure properly, increasing the pumpkin’s lifespan.
6. Cure your pumpkins after harvesting them
After picking your pumpkins, let them sit out in a warm and sunny spot for a week to ten days to cure. This will toughen the skin of the pumpkins and increase their lifespan.
7. If your pumpkins are intended for eating, make sure they are fully mature when you pick them
It’s best to pick fully mature pumpkins if you plan on using them for cooking and seed roasting. Young pumpkins won’t taste good and the seeds won’t roast properly as their shells haven’t matured.
Conclusion
Hopefully you find these seven tips helpful as you begin your own autumn pumpkin harvest. Most importantly though, just have fun and make some wonderful memories with your family as autumn it sets in.
If you have any questions or tips of your own to add, make sure to leave a comment below. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to our blog be notified of new posts and news about whats happening on the farm!
Enjoy picking those pumpkins!
Cody
Thistle Downs Farm