Pick your own pumpkins for a spooktacular Hallowe'en

Squash in a visit to Cammas Hall Farm, Hatfield Broad Oak, this Hallowe'en and pick your own pumpkin!

It the second spooky season for the Needham Green business and their scarecrows.

Spokeswoman Helen Holloway said: “This year we’ve grown ten different varieties of pumpkin and squash so there’s much more choice - 15,000 pumpkins in total.

“As well as the regular ones that we are all used to, we also have white Snowman pumpkins which are great for painting, knobbly Knuckleheads, the very large Mammoth and Atlantic Giant varieties, and Harlequin and Celebration squashes. You don’t have to decorate or carve the pumpkins, you could just turn them into a pie or soup. Whatever you do, don’t forget to roast the seeds up for a tasty snack.

“Our pumpkin patch contains a wide selection of ready-harvested pumpkins to choose from, all guarded by our cheeky scarecrows.

“In addition to this, for the first time we are able to offer our customers the chance to select their own pumpkin and cut them from the vine, by offering free tractor and trailer rides out to the fields. The rides will run on selected dates leading up to half term but not in half-term itself.”

She explained: “Pumpkins store well and we hope that this encourages our customers to visit the farm early to beat the rush! We were extremely busy in the week leading up to Hallowe’en last year so this year we’ve put measures in place so that we are better prepared for the busier times, including opening up ‘The Cabin’ to provide an alternative place to purchase drinks and snacks.

“Our maize maze will be open until the end of October and now has a Hallowe’en theme. We’ll also have face-painters on site at weekends and half- term week.”

As well as the Hallowe’en themed activities, the farm’s usual facilities will be available including the tea barn, shop and play area. Visitors can also enjoy a walk around the farm on a free nature trail.

Helen said: “Just pick up a map and you can enjoy a short stroll (1km) or a longer trek (3km) which will take you through woodland, farmland and meadows. Well behaved dogs are welcome and it’s a great way to enjoy the countryside and wear the kids out!”

By following Cammas Hall advice, uncarved pumpkins can last for up to three months.

• Store away from direct sunlight;

• Store in a cool, ventilated place but protect from frost;

• Store your pumpkins on a piece of cloth or cardboard and not on a hard non-porous surface or directly onto wood;

• Do not use the stalk as a handle as this can cause damage.