Tips to Picking the Perfect Pumpkins this Fall!
August 26, 2016 By Chelsea T.
Pumpkin Picking is one of the most popular Fall traditions and is enjoyed by both children and adults alike. Many make it an annual outing and spend the day enjoying various Fall activities, sipping on some apple cider and enjoying the crisp air that the season brings.
Pumpkin Patches usually have picking as one of their main attractions, while offering a ton of other fun activities for families to enjoy. They must know that pumpkin picking can sometimes be a daunting task, especially if you can't find exactly what you're looking for. We've put together a list of Pumpkin Picking tips to assure our pumpkin-loving friends pick their very best this season!
Decide What You Want
Are you looking for small pumpkins? Mini pumpkins? Or maybe super huge pumpkins! Either way, before you head out, know what you want to look for. Some pumpkins may be more round than others, and others can have a longer shape to them.
Bring a Small Wagon
To make your pumpkin picking trip easier, be sure to bring a small wagon or rent one at the patch. This will help you as you're making your way around the dirt patch and will also allow you to keep track of the pumpkins you already picked. 
Don't Lift By the Stem
Pumpkin stems are important, so be careful when picking your pumpkin up and be sure to grab it from the bottom. If you lift your pumpkin up by the stem, you could risk breaking it off and having to choose a different one!
Check for Cracks, Splits & Holes
When picking pumpkins, take a good look at its sides, top and bottom. You'll likely want to choose pumpkins that have little to no cracks on them. Cracks and splits can lead to molding on the inside of the pumpkin, so take a peek before chucking it in the wagon. If your pumpkin has a hole, there could be insects inside, which isn't a pretty surprise when you go to carve or cook!
Keep In Mind What You're Using Them For
If you're picking pumpkins to bake with, the smaller ones are best for this. While for decorating, any shape or size is great, especially if you want to mix it up a bit. If you know you're going to be doing some carving, be sure to pick a large pumpkin that has a lot of surface area. 
Have a Pumpkin Picking tip you would like to share with us? Comment below!
