Factors enhancing this season’s crop include mild weather throughout the spring and summer and sufficient August rainfall.
Because of the nice weather, the wheat harvest ended on time, allowing growers to plant their ?pumpkins on time.
“In general, the pumpkin crop looks good and there should be plenty of pumpkins for everyone,” Dan Egel, a Purdue Extension plant pathologist, said in the release.
In the fields Egel studied that did not produce their intended yield, he said the problem was that the fields got too much rain, killing vines before pumpkins could develop.
Pumpkins with full, green stems indicate that they were recently harvested, Egel said.
Egel also provided tips for those who are interested in purchasing pumpkins to celebrate the fall season.
“In general, if you like the looks of the pumpkin, take it home,” Egel said. “However, it might be a good idea to avoid pumpkins with soft spots or brown, shriveled handles.”
Holly Hays
