In addition to being a fixture of fall and Halloween décor, pumpkins are a substantial agricultural product in the US. Illinois, California, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan are the top producing states for pumpkins.
According to the USDA, Illinois produces the most pumpkins, using more than 16,000 acres of land specifically for this purpose. The state’s climate and rich soil make it the perfect place to grow the crop. Ohio follows in second with more than 8,000 acres, followed by California with over 9,000 acres of pumpkin fields. With more than 4,000 acres apiece, Pennsylvania and Michigan also produce a substantial amount of pumpkins.
Farmers frequently employ nitrogen-rich fertilizers to cultivate pumpkins. Nitrogen is crucial for plant growth and aids in the development of strong leaves and stems on pumpkins. Pumpkins also need potassium and phosphorus for the growth of their fruits. For optimum pumpkin development, use a balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 or 5-10-10.
The best time to pick pumpkins is often in the fall, from September through October. If the weather and growing conditions are good, producers can begin selling pumpkins as early as August. Harvesting pumpkins calls for waiting till they are fully developed, with a firm outer skin and a deep orange hue. Pumpkins that are picked too soon can not develop correctly and could become rotten.
Due to their ease of cultivation and great demand in the fall, pumpkins are frequently cultivated as a cash crop on small farms. Tomatoes, peppers, and herbs are some crops that are suitable for small farms. Compared to pumpkins, these crops have a shorter growth season and take up less space.
In conclusion, the production of pumpkins is a significant agricultural sector in the United States, with Illinois leading the nation in this regard. Pumpkins may be grown healthily using nitrogen-rich fertilizers, and September and October are the busiest months for sales. While tomatoes and herbs can also be successful crops, pumpkins are a well-known income crop for small farms.