As the crisp air of October ushers in the fall season, many eagerly seek the perfect pumpkin. If you’re one of those on the quest for the quintessential pumpkin for pie-making, jack-o’-lantern carving, or seasonal decoration, look no further than Cherry Hill and its surrounding areas.
Here are some fantastic spots to find your pumpkin fix:
- Springdale Farm Market (1638 Springdale Rd., Cherry Hill)
- Taylor River Side Farm (5 Taylors Ln., Cinnaminson)
- Johnson’s Corner Farm (133 Church Rd., Medford)
- Indian Acres Tree Farm (111 Tuckerton Rd., Medford)
- Duffield’s Farm & Market (280 Chapel Heights Rd., Sewell)
- Creamy Acres Farm (448 Lincoln Mill Rd., Mullica Hill)
- Hill Creek Farms (1631 Route 45, Mullica Hill)
- McCann’s Farm (1065 Aura Rd., Monroeville)
If your intention is to transform your pumpkin into a star of the Halloween night, consider our guide to creating the perfect jack-o’-lantern. You can also check out Warren Nash’s YouTube tutorial for a step-by-step carving process.
While pumpkin carving kits can be incredibly handy with tools like saws, scoopers, and patterns, you can also round up these items from around your home:
- A sturdy and clean pumpkin of your choice.
- A curved boning knife or a serrated kitchen knife.
- An ice cream scooper or scraper.
- Paper for sketching your design.
- A pencil or pen.
- A candle or a battery-operated light.
- A lighter.
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to carving your pumpkin:
- Cut it: If carving from the top, angle your cut inward to prevent the top from falling inside. Alternatively, follow the advice of Michael Natiello, creative director for The Great Jack-o’-Lantern Blaze, and cut from the bottom to avoid later collapsing of the sides.
- Gut it: Use an ice cream scoop or your hands to thoroughly remove all seeds and debris from the pumpkin.
- Trace it: First, sketch your design on paper for easy tracing onto the pumpkin.
- Make the cuts: Begin cutting out your design. You can use a fork or pencil to poke holes along the design lines for more precise carving.
- Light it: Illuminate your creation with a battery-operated light or a candle placed in a holder. Marvel at your masterpiece.
Now, armed with these tips, you’re ready to embark on your pumpkin adventure and celebrate the joys of the autumn season.
