Pumpkin production in Kentucky has gradually increased over the past several years.  This increase is due largely to producers transitioning from other crops, farm diversification, and agritourism venues.  The Metcalfe County ANR agent has been involved in pumpkin production since 1994 and has been able to take experience coupled with Extension research and help producers throughout Kentucky to have successful crops.

In the 2021 crop year this agent presented at the virtual KY Fruit and Vegetable Conference and worked directly with 15 pumpkin producers throughout the state.  Producers were able to gain  and apply knowledge in the areas of budgeting, variety selection, disease and insect control, fertility, plant spacing, plot design, and marketing.  This group of growers consisted of experienced producers to beginners.

While all of the above mentioned growers reported a successful crop year, a first year grower stated that his yields were double his expectations and that his wholesale customers said that his pumpkins were the hardiest, cleanest, most disease free that they had ever purchased.  He went on to state that this could all be attributed to the guidance that had received from Extension.  While not every growing season will yield a successful crop, using research based information and applying it to production methods will always insure that crops will perform at their peak potential for the given year.