By University Of Illinois Extension
PUMPKIN FACTS
* Illinois is the number one pumpkin producer in the United States.
* The top 10 pumpkin producing counties in Illinois are: Tazewell, Mason Wayne, Peoria, Stark, Moultrie, Logan, Kane, McHenry, McLean.
* There is a difference between pumpkins you cook and the pumpkins you carve.
* Pumpkin is a fruit because they are part of the plant that contains seeds.
* Pumpkins are grown primarily for processing, with a small percentage grown for ornamental sales through you-pick farms, farmers’ market, and retail sales.
* It takes 110 days for a pumpkin vine to produce mature pumpkins.
* Pumpkins are low in calories, fat, sodium and high in fiber.
* 80 percent of the pumpkins produced commercially in the United States are produced within a 90-mile radius of Peoria.
* Giant pumpkins can grow five pounds a day.
* Pumpkins can rage in size from less than a pound to over 1,000 pounds.
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GROWING PUMPKINS
When to plant: Late May for northern locations, Early July for southern locations.
* Vine pumpkins require at least 50 to 100 square feet for growth; plant seeds one inch deep in the ground.
* Bush varieties: Plant seeds one inch deep, and three feet apart.
* Bees are needed to pollinate pumpkins.
* Pumpkins are ready to be picked with the rind is hard and a deep orange color.
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PUMPKIN PATCHES & FARMS (always call to verify hours of operation)
* Curtis Orchard – Champaign County

* Broom Orchard – Macoupin County

* Ackerman Farms – Tazewell County

* Gail’s Pumpkin Patch – Logan County

* Bomke’s Patch – Sangamon County

* The Great Pumpkin Patch – Moultrie County

* Rader Family Farms – McLean County

* Eckert’s Farm – St. Clair County
* Wagon Wheel Pumpkin Farm – Dewitt County

* All Seasons Orchard – McHenry County

* Bandy’s Pumpkin Patch – Williamson County

* Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm – Will County
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PINTEREST PUMPKINS
* Pumpkin Recipes.
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ILLINOIS GIANT PUMPKIN GROWERS ASSOCIATION
* On Facebook.
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Comments welcome.

Posted on October 27, 2016