We all know there is a fine line of beginning the holiday season craze too early and too late. Well, this may not be a good year to put off potential pumpkin purchases. According to an Associated Press story in Forbes Online, the wet weather that has hammered the Southeast and Midwest for many weeks may not be ideal pumpkin growing conditions.According to the AP, Craig Anderson, an extension horticulture specialist for the University of Arkansas Division of Agricultures “says plant disease is rampant as humidity stays high and the ground stays wet.”
Things were not bad for pumpkin growers in the summer as the season was dry. However, when the wet weather came with September created a perfect storm for Halloween disaster. According to Anderson, “the worst thing for pumpkins is the two straight weeks of rain Arkansas has experienced this month.” Given this, it might be prudent for the pumpkin shopper to think about picking up pumpkins that are currently in stores. These likely come from states with dry conditions like Texas and New Mexico.
Arkansas typically raise between 1,000 to 3,000 acres of pumpkin annually.
To read the AP story click here.
Posted: 09/28/09
