It’s Pumpkin Picking Season!

By Rupert Deedes

It is that time of year again – the time to plan a trip to the nearest pumpkin farm to pick up a pumpkin or two.

It would be a good idea make the trip sometime during the next two weeks, before the October “pumpkin rush” really begins.

Pumpkin pickers should be a bit more selective this year: Experts say that the heavy rains during the summer have caused a fungus called phytophthora to spread into the pumpkin patches.

The fungus is not dangerous, but it causes unsightly discoloration and ugly blotches on the skin of the pumpkins.

Most of the area pumpkin farms have hay rides and corn mazes – fun for the whole family, and many have hot cider, and baked goods – a warm treat as the days get cooler.

There are many pumpkin farms on Long Island. Here is a list of the leading farms on the North Shore:

Young's Farm, Brookville

Elwood Pumpkin Farm, Huntington

Kaufolds Farm Festival, Ridge

Bennner's Farm, Setauket

Schmitt's Family Farm, Melville