Found this little tidbit online and wanted to pass it along....
Pumpkins, particularly those most commonly grown for carving into Jack O' Lanterns could be scarce and will be more expensive this Halloween.
A combination of limited rain and excessive heat in the Midwest, particularly in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, has severely affected this years crop. In other area's such as Texas, cooler than normal temperatures have caused more pumpkins to grow on each vine, resulting in a larger number of pumpkins that weighed less. The hardest hit has been the Jack O' Lantern variety, which is popular for carving.
The reduction in this year's pumpkin harvest combined with higher delivery costs due to higher fuel prices, will most likely cause higher prices than last year. The real problem for those of us that have a real passion for carving pumpkins, most of the pumpkins may be gone by Halloween.
For those who normally wait until a few days or even a week before Halloween to buy pumpkins may find empty shelves. We suggest that you buy pumpkins intended to be carved two or more weeks out this year and store in a cool, dry place.
Pumpkins, particularly those most commonly grown for carving into Jack O' Lanterns could be scarce and will be more expensive this Halloween.
A combination of limited rain and excessive heat in the Midwest, particularly in Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, has severely affected this years crop. In other area's such as Texas, cooler than normal temperatures have caused more pumpkins to grow on each vine, resulting in a larger number of pumpkins that weighed less. The hardest hit has been the Jack O' Lantern variety, which is popular for carving.
The reduction in this year's pumpkin harvest combined with higher delivery costs due to higher fuel prices, will most likely cause higher prices than last year. The real problem for those of us that have a real passion for carving pumpkins, most of the pumpkins may be gone by Halloween.
For those who normally wait until a few days or even a week before Halloween to buy pumpkins may find empty shelves. We suggest that you buy pumpkins intended to be carved two or more weeks out this year and store in a cool, dry place.
