Despite facing dry conditions during the summer, pumpkin growers in the Waterloo region are reporting a successful harvest this year. Mary Ellen McCormick, from Fall Harvest Farm in St. Agatha, expressed satisfaction with this year’s harvest, noting that while there was a drought later in the season, the established plants were resilient and the crops were not as affected as initially anticipated.
At Good Family Farm in Waterloo, co-owner Karen Good echoed similar sentiments, stating that they were pleased with their harvest. She mentioned that some squash ripened later than usual due to the hot and dry summer weather.
While Fall Harvest Farm dealt with insect challenges, particularly from cucumber beetles, McCormick explained that the farm managed to mitigate the impact and prevent significant losses. This successful season has resulted in a diverse range of pumpkins, squashes, and decorative gourds available at the farm.
Looking ahead, McCormick expressed concerns about the growing demand for squash and pumpkins starting earlier each year. She emphasized the importance of allowing squashes to fully ripen for optimal sweetness. Similarly, Good Family Farm is experiencing high demand for unique shapes of gourds and small pumpkins for decoration, with customers seeking unconventional varieties.
As customer preferences shift towards more distinctive options, Good noted that seed companies are introducing new pumpkin and gourd varieties with visually appealing features. With over 125 varieties available, Good Family Farm is prepared to meet the diverse demands of their customers while embracing the rewarding interactions that come with their farming lifestyle.