Fall is beginning to infuse the landscape of Ohio with crimson red, fiery orange, and knockout yellow, reminding me of why fall is my favorite time of year. Not only do I relish the nip in the air, but the hint of wood smoke as fireplaces begin to crackle with life signals it’s time for comfort food.
As a gardener, I think pumpkins and butternut squash, Brussel sprouts and cabbage. Soups, stews, crock pot meals, and oven-roasted delectable delights, this is a great time to eat!
Visit the farms
This time of year is a great time to visit the farms. From the apple orchards of Canfield, Ohio to my local organic establishment, growers are in full swing. Recently, my family visited The White House Fruit Farm in Canfield, Ohio, and what a treat.
Pumpkins were everywhere, carved, stacked, baked into pies and ready to take home for the front doorstep.
The farm is notable for its apples, including cider, doughnuts, butter and pies. Granted, I’m a fairly healthy eater, but I do savor the sweeter things in life. Yes, I was in the donut line. Couldn’t resist.
Sharing Pumpkin Seeds
I did stop by the nearby Parks Garden Center, because word has it they are the place for giant pumpkins. It was also mentioned that I could buy some giant pumpkin seeds for myself. Talk about unable to resist!
We stopped, ogled, and inquired about a seed purchase. To my dismay, the giant pumpkin club was not available that day for seed sales. Undaunted in my quest, I persisted. And wouldn’t you know, the owner spotted me, listened to my plea, and as any fellow gardener would, immediately understood my desire to try my hand at giant pumpkin growing and obliged.
Taking me to his private freezer stash, he shared several seeds with me, instructed me on best sowing practices and then talked gardening for a bit. Talk about the perfect end to a lovely trip out to the farmland. Gardeners are awesome people. And those are some gorgeous pumpkins!
How to Grow Pumpkins
While I’m not sure how well I’ll fare at the giant pumpkin growing deal, I will follow his instructions—plant tip down, just millimeters below the surface of the soil. Be sure to plant when you have 90°F temperatures for several days in a row, or your seeds might not germinate.
Unfortunately, this will easy this time of year where I live. As these seedlings should pop through the surface in about four days, I’ll know pretty quickly if I’m successful or not. Then it’s 60 days to “build the plant” and 90 days to “build the fruit.” My son is looking forward to “bragging rights” for a 1400 lb. pumpkin. I’ll be happy if we manage 500 lbs.
I’ll give it my best effort and keep you posted!
Pumpkin Recipes
Since we’re talking pumpkins, why not incorporate them into your diet? Packed with antioxidants, this squash is delicious any way you slice it. For a twist on granola, try my Decadent Maple Pumpkin Granola.
It’s to die for. Seriously. Really a guilt-free snack, in my book. And while you’re carving that pumpkin this Halloween, “save the flesh!” It makes for a glorious Homemade Pumpkin Pie. Sweet!
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