I don't remember ever pumpkin picking when I was a kid. So when did this start?
Apparently, it was popular in the 1980s and then waned in popularity until recently. You may be wondering why the sudden change of heart. Obviously social media.
“Pumpkin picking” is the biggest scam. It was discovered last year, but it was just a bunch of Aldi pumpkins dumped into a muddy field, and they were 10 times more expensive. Never again. pic.twitter.com/gmoSRiwF4g
— Hannah AlOthman (@HannahAlOthman) October 12, 2024
I don't know if I need to explain, but pumpkin picking is when people visit a farm or “pumpkin patch” and pick their own pumpkins to take home.
that's it.
We understand that it's a fun activity for kids, and an opportunity for couples to show off how adorable they are together for Instagram. But in most cases it's a complete scam.
I'm not alone in this.
In response to the recent 2024 pumpkin craze, one user shared his candid thoughts on X (formerly Twitter). “Pumpkin picking is the biggest scam,” they wrote.
“What was discovered last year was a pumpkin from Aldi, 10 times the price, just thrown into a muddy field. It will never happen again.”
Someone who goes to a few supermarkets first thing in the morning, buys up all the pumpkins, throws them in the mud, and then charges a bunch of wannabe Instagram influencer moms £35 to take a few beautiful autumn pictures. I can't believe there is pic.twitter.com/ pGkM50mTh5
— putasinghonit (@putasinghonit) October 21, 2024
This post caught the attention of other users who noticed the same thing. One person suggested changing the name to “Pumpkin Picking.”
Of course, there is debate about the benefits it brings to the agricultural industry. In 2023, 100,000 pumpkins were being grown in the Vale of Glamorgan, with at least five farms offering harvest experiences.
Some companies say they can earn as much as £30,000 per acre by offering pick-your-own.
Phil Hundley of Mostyn Kitchen Garden told the BBC: “It's very easy to make money and it's always very profitable.”
Additionally, “5,000 pumpkins can be planted per acre.'' Pumpkins sold at the supermarket may cost a few pounds, but people can't afford to pay more for an outdoor experience and have fun pumpkin picking.'' Sho,” he added.
“So our pumpkins cost between £2 and £10. If we take an average price of £5, that's £25,000 per acre.”
Can someone please tell me why I paid £34 for a 'pumpkin pick' and then was told I couldn't get a pumpkin? I'm furious, to say the least.
— Cal (@CalWxlker) October 20, 2024
This is fine. There's no downside to providing an authentic experience while benefitting the ever-crippling agricultural industry.
These are the people who wash extra-large mandarin oranges at the supermarket and laze around in the fields, calling them “fun for the whole family!''
You might say, “Oh, the kids don't really know who's bothering them, so don't be so grumpy. Santa isn't real, right?” That's what I mean. The big one doesn't exist, but a real pumpkin patch does (go for a hat trick, all tooth fairies are impostors).
According to Express, these farms sell pumpkins grown on the premises.
(These aren't the only ones in this country – they're far away – just a few I've found)
Stanhill Farm, Kent Tully's Farm, Sussex Pumpkin Peat, Herefordshire Crockfield Farm Park, Oldham Farmer Copley's, West Yorkshire Cairn Fruit Farm, Fife
Recommended reading:
What is the most offensive Halloween costume?
How pumpkins will attract pests to your home this Halloween
Mother calls for ban on Halloween lollipops after daughter's ordeal
I never thought I would be so furious over pumpkins, but that's the world we live in.
If you go pumpkin picking, be sure to check ahead of time to make sure it's authentic.
Happy Halloween.
