American culture is not complete without pumpkins, especially during the fall. They are utilized as decorations, in cooking, and even at different celebrations and events. A number of states in the US help to make the country one of the world’s top producers of pumpkins. Illinois, on the other hand, stands out as the US’s top pumpkin-producing state.
Up to 85% of processed pumpkins are produced in Illinois, with Morton, a small town in central Illinois, producing the most pumpkin-related goods, such as canned pumpkin puree. The Illinois farmers have mastered the skill of cultivating pumpkins, and the state’s climate and excellent soil make it ideal for doing so.
Depending on the size of their farms, farmers in Illinois employ a variety of methods when it comes to harvesting pumpkins. For larger farms, mechanized harvesters are used to remove the pumpkins from the vine and move them to a central location for collection. The harvesters’ razor-sharp blades cut the pumpkin’s stem while protecting the fruit. Large-scale pumpkin producers choose this technique because it is effective, quick, and affordable.
Farmers harvest the pumpkins by hand on smaller farms. To ensure that the pumpkin’s fruit is unharmed, they carefully trim the stem using pruning shears or a sharp knife. The pumpkins are then taken to the storage or processing facility by wagon or truck after being loaded.
The fact that pumpkins cannot grow on wood should also be noted. For proper growth, pumpkins need soil that drains well and has a pH between 6.0 and 6.8, as well as enough sunlight and water. The ideal temperature for pumpkin growth is between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. They thrive in warm climates. In order to ensure that the crop thrives, it is crucial to grow pumpkins in the proper habitat.
In conclusion, Illinois is the country’s top producer of pumpkins, and the state also produces a variety of pumpkin-related goods. Depending on the size of their fields, farmers in Illinois harvest pumpkins using various techniques. Smaller farms employ hand harvesting methods even if large-scale pumpkin cultivation makes use of mechanized harvesters. In addition, for proper growth, pumpkins need the right kind of soil, sunlight, and water; they cannot grow on wood.