Pick your own pumpkins – there’s 13 types on offer
Farm open days include bacon butties and 10% goes to charity
When Charlie Eckley retired from a career in banking in London to help his father run Boarley Farm in Boxley, he quickly realised there was a need for diversification.
His father had been growing arable crops such as wheat, barley, beans and linseed for 45 years, but Charlie thought it time to try something new.
They planted 15 acres with 13 different varieties of pumpkins and squashes and came up with a project called Pumpkin Moon.
He said: “We’re looking to offer families a fun day out – and the chance to pick their own pumpkins and squashes for Halloween.”
The pumpkins are growing well and Mr Eckley is expecting a good crop in time for October 31 with some weighing as much as 15 kilograms.
Some 75% of the fruits will be the traditional orange variety favoured by supermarkets, but visitors will also be able to opt for something a little more
‘We hope people will come along and have a lovely time out of the house’
exotic. There is a dark green, almost black variety, the size of a cricket ball.
A “Munchkin” is small and pink, while a Harlequin which is green and white and almost heart-shaped and a Turban, which looks like...well, like a turban.
Mr Eckley said: “Halloween has really taken off as an industry in this country in recent years and since we can grow pumpkins quite happily in Kent, I thought, why not?” Visitors will be given a wheelbarrow to load up with their pumpkins and squashes, and prices will range from £1 to £5 depending on size and variety.
Pumpkin Moon will donate 10% of profits to be divided between the Heart of Kent Hospice and the British Heart Foundation.
They have created a small maze out of maize, ideal for the under10s. There will also be bacon butties and sausage sandwiches.
He said: “We hope people will come along for a couple of hours, see what a working farm looks like, pick their pumpkins and a have a lovely time out of the house.”
Pumpkin Moon will open to the public on Saturday, October 15, in time for the half-term break.
Visit www.pumpkinmoon.uk.