Dry Conditions Could Affect Pumpkin Crop

Despite Friday’s rain, the moderate drought conditions across Connecticut this summer has taken its toll on the Fall season crops. In fact, it’s been a painful pumpkin growing seasons for farmers, such as Kathy Martin, the owner of Brown’s Harvest in Windsor.

“It's always a gamble when you're farming, always,” said Martin.

Martin has been growing crops for 39 years, including around 20 varieties of pumpkins. In her experience, Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate.

“The summer has been, as you know, quite hot humid and lack of rain,” said Martin. “It means we have to get irrigation out on the crops that are the important crops.”

This Summer, Martin has put an inch of water, at least, on her 20 acres of Fall season crops weekly.

“It's very costly. It's an added expense that you really can't get back,” said Martin.

It’s not money down the drain, but a pricey move that could cost customers come time to buy those pumpkins. Unlike some, Martin said she won’t raise her rate.

“You have to prioritize everything. So your bigger crops, what helps your bottom line is what you are going to focus on,” said Martin.

While Brown’s Harvest pumpkin patch has been flourishing, not every farm has been as lucky.

“I know some are already asking if we have extra pumpkins to sell and we'll know that pretty soon,” said Martin.

It is a possibility of fewer pumpkins to paint, carve, cook and place on the porch. Like basic economics, it’s a price we may all have to pay this Fall if we don’t get some rain this Summer.

“Keeping my fingers crossed that we will get some more rain to plump up those pumpkins,” said Martin.

Brown’s Harvest will begin their Fall festivities on September 17th, and have a special Salute to American Soldiers event on September 24th.

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