It is pumpkin time in Greensboro, the last weekend before Halloween weekend. The above photo features the pumpkin patch at Mt. Pisgah Methodist Church. These pumpkin patches are always great fundraisers for churches. Often, the money goes to support youth programs. Located on the edge of Country Park, this patch is very convenient for those who like to exercise in the park or play tennis at Spencer Love. The pumpkins are easy to spot when driving up and down Battleground Avenue and when you are at the Lowe’s Home Improvement Center. 

While pumpkin growing is only a minor crop in North Carolina, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services estimates that 3,000- 4,000 acres of pumpkins are planted in North Carolina. Did you know that a pumpkin is a fruit, related to cucumbers and melons and gourds. They can weigh over 1,000 pounds and they are about 90% water. They contain vitamin A, B, and potassium and have been a food source in North America since at least 7,000- 5,000 BC.*  As a rule of thumb, let children select pumpkins that they can lift easily. If they are too heavy, you may be making pumpkin soup earlier than anticipated! Happy Saturday! 

*reference and more pumpkin trivia, here.