Pumpkin shortage in Ontario? Here’s why you might want to get them now ahead of Halloween

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Ontario’s dry summer means some pumpkin options may be dwindling for those still in search of a perfect jack-o-lantern canvas as Halloween nears. 

Mark Saunders, owner of Saunders Farm in Munster — a village about 15 kilometres east of Carleton Place — said efficient irrigation on the farm was crucial during one of the driest summers he has experienced.

“Pumpkins need a lot of water to grow,” he said. “Farms around here and in southern Ontario that I’ve talked to have found that their crops were much, much smaller.”

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Ontario’s dry summer means some pumpkin options may be dwindling for those still in search of a perfect jack-o-lantern canvas as Halloween nears. 

Mark Saunders, owner of Saunders Farm in Munster — a village about 15 kilometres east of Carleton Place — said efficient irrigation on the farm was crucial during one of the driest summers he has experienced.

“Pumpkins need a lot of water to grow,” he said. “Farms around here and in southern Ontario that I’ve talked to have found that their crops were much, much smaller.”

Parts of Ontario experienced unusual drought conditions due to limited rainfall and hot conditions over the summer months. 

Expect smaller pumpkins this year
Though Saunders Farm was able to harvest “a pretty good crop” this year with the help of irrigation, Saunders noted this year’s pumpkins are smaller.

“Everyone wants a giant. The big Howden is a real popular variety,” he said. “They’ll just be a little bit smaller and a little denser because there’s not as much water in them.”