How freezing temperatures impact pumpkin patches

With our freezing overnight temperatures recently, what’s the impact on pumpkins at local farms?

We talked to the owners at Long Neck Pumpkin Farm in northeast Colorado Springs. They say a few of their pumpkins are damaged, but there are still plenty left for folks to pick. They took the necessary precautions by bringing most of the pumpkins the last few days inside the barn and covering them with blankets. Outdoors, they laid concrete blankets over the pumpkins to protect them from the freezing temperatures.

Kevin Longnecker tells us it’s not easy being a farmer in Colorado

“It’s been very unusual and difficult this year. Somewhere near 30 degrees, we can do okay. Anything below that … is not good,” said Kevin Longnecker.

When pumpkins get exposed to the frigid weather, they turn to mush, which isn’t ideal for either carving or cooking.

There are two more weekends before Halloween, so there’s still time to head to the pumpkin patch! The weather should be mild and quiet this upcoming Saturday and Sunday.