by Bob Matthews

It is time for the annual “how to pick out a pumpkin column. Bob Matthews knows it best, see below. – OTC

Going out to a pumpkin patch to pick pumpkins, is a fun filled rite of the fall season. Whether you go out to a field filled with pumpkins, or get them from a roadside stand, we want to be certain that you get the absolutely best pumpkin for carving, decorating and eating!

Pumpkins are called “Long keepers”. A healthy, uncarved pumpkin can last to Thanksgiving and beyond.

How to Select the Perfect Pumpkin:

• Select a pumpkin that is completely orange. A partially green pumpkin might not ripen any further.
• Size is an important factor. Medium pumpkins are best for pumpkin carving. Small pumpkins are better for cooking.
• Do not pick a pumpkin that is too big for you to carry, especially if you have back problems.
• Does the shade of orange matter? If so, there are hundreds of varieties, some with different shades of orange.
• Selecting the shape is a matter of personal preference. Some like ’em tall. Others, like ’em round.
• Often, people select shapes to fit the carving patterns they will use. Pick your pattern before you go.
• Do not lift or carry a pumpkin by it’s stem. The pumpkin stem gives it character.
• A ripe pumpkin has a hard shell that does not dent or scratch easily when pressing on it with a thumbnail. Do this on the back or bottom of the fruit…….never on the face.
• Examine the entire pumpkin carefully for soft spots. If you find even one soft spot, go on to the next pumpkin.
• Check the pumpkin for cracks and splits. If you find one, examine it to be sure it is not turning into a soft spot or has mold inside of the crack.
• Look for bugs and insects. Specifically, look for holes in the pumpkin, which are indicative of insect problems.
• If you are out in the pumpkin patch picking a pumpkin:
• Bring a small wagon with you. It’s easier to haul tired kids and pumpkins.
• Wear boots or old sneakers. It could be wet and muddy in the pumpkin patch.
• Pick a pumpkin that you can carry back with you.
• If smaller children are carrying pumpkin, pick smaller pumpkins. Remember those little arms will probably get tired before reaching your car.
• Bring a sharp knife or pruner.
• Cut the vine on either side of the stem. After you get it home, you can trim off the remaining pieces of vine, and cut the stem at the perfect spot.

We intend to bring you both the serious and the humorous side of pumpkins. Our website, pumpkinnook.com, has been developed to be informative, but in a light hearted way. As a shrine and library to pumpkins, we seek to be both comprehensive and unique. To borrow a phrase, our Motto is: “We will leave no pumpkin unturned in our research efforts.”

About the Author: Bob Marshall has been growing pumpkins since he was a wee little lad. Which, by the way, was a long, long time ago. Friends and family members will attest that Halloween is his favorite holiday. The website is the direct result of two hobbies running amuck, as he is both an avid gardener and a fanatic on the internet. He does not profess to know everything there is to know about gardening, but continues to read, experiment, listen and learn as much as he can about gardening and especially pumpkins. It is with this knowledge and a whole lot of fanatical intensity that he created this site and share with visitors a little of what I know. For everything you ever wanted to know about pumpkins and more, log on to pumpkinnook.com. Marshall also maintains a website about gardening in general – gardenersnet.com. Look for more excerpts from Bob in upcoming Urban Garden columns.

The following is a very partial list of – local to Alexandria – places available to pick out the perfect pumpkin(s). Be sure to let your Google search provide you with many more in the region.

Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill Pumpkin Patch

3606 Seminary Road

The annual pumpkin patch returned for its 32nd year in late September and offers a variety of gourds and pumpkins.

Nalls Produce & Garden Center

7310 Beulah Street

A well-known local garden center that transforms into a festive fall wonderland with its famous “Pumpkin Wall” and “Pumpkin Hill” play area opened in late September.

Lee-Fendell House Museum & Garden

614 Oronoco Street

On Saturday, October 18^th  they will host their “Pumpkin Palooza,” a family-friendly event with pumpkin painting, face painting, and ghost stories.

Carlyle House Historic Park

121 North Fairfax Street

Their Family Fun Day on Saturday, October 4th, will feature a “Pumpkin Party” with story time, crafts, and other activities.

Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility

3210 King Street

For a unique twist, check out their “Floating Pumpkin Patch” on Saturday, October 25^th, you can pick a pumpkin right from the pool.