Time to pick up a pumpkin
POPLAR farm’s ‘Pick Your Own Pumpkin’ patch opens for business this weekend for an entire month of pumpkin picking.
The patch, which sees hundreds head down to claim their pick of the crop each year, will open for the season this Saturday, September 24.
It will then be open until Hallowe’en and you can pick your pumpkin from 9.30am-5pm, and there’s no need to book. (The last wheelbarrow will be given out at 5pm on October 31).
Shelley Sephton, who works at the farm, said: “The patch proved extremely popular last year and we’ve had an excellent crop this year as well, so we’re expecting a similar amount of people to come and visit us.
Every pumpkin is exactly the same price, £3, so people are advised to hurry to the patch sooner rather than later to get a hefty vegetable.
And staff at the farm will be available during your pick to give some advice on how to pick, carve and keep the perfect pumpkin.
Shelley said that staff are keen to alleviate people’s fears about their pumpkins lasting until Hallowe’en.
She said: “Give the pumpkin a wash and wipe it down with a diluted bleach solution.
“Place your pumpkin on a warm, sunny deck or patio. They can also be brought inside, put them in the window to catch those sunny rays. Make sure there is good air circulation to minimise the chances of mould and rotting. Put the greenest side of the pumpkin towards the sun and keep turning your pumpkin so it ripens all over. If left outdoors, bring them in at night to keep the pumpkin’s temperature warmer.”
Throughout the year, Poplar’s farm also offers people the opportunity to come down to the patch to pick their own flowers and corn.
Poplar Farm, is located on A5147 Delf Lane, Downholland, near Ormskirk, L39 7JJ.