It's the time of year when many of us take up Linus' quest and go in search of the Great Pumpkin.
Unfortunately, late summer's drenching rains have made that quest a bit harder this year.
"You're going to find your selection a little bit limited," said Dave Myers, extension agent in the Anne Arundel County office of the University of Maryland Cooperative Extension.
The rains meant some pumpkins sat in soggy fields, causing their colors to fade and their stems to rot. As a result, supplies are "just adequate," Myers said.
Those that did grow may not last many weeks on the porch step. But Myers adds, "I think they'll make it through the Halloween season."
The diminished supplies caused Sharp's Farm in Howard County to curtail its wholesale pumpkin business this year, said manager Cheryl Nodar "But we have plenty for the families and school kids that come out," she added.
Although pumpkins aren't as plentiful this year as usual, Myers said prices are about the same as last year - about 30 cents a pound.
Here are some farms to visit in search of your perfect pumpkin and other autumn fun.
Anne Arundel County
Dick and Jane's Farm, 4361 Solomons Island Road, Harwood. Pumpkin patch, child-sized hay-bale maze, hayrides, pre-picked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call 410-867-3264 or go to dickandjanesfarm.com.
Greenstreet Gardens, 391 West Bay Front Road, Lothian. Pumpkin patch, mazes, hayrides. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call 410-867-9500 or visit greenstreetgrowers .com.
Homestead Gardens, 743 W. Central Ave., Davidsonville. Pumpkins, hayrides, pony rides, pumpkin painting, Pumpkin Patch Express barrel train ride and games for kids. Open year-round. October hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Call 301-261-4550 or 410-798-5000 or visit homesteadgardens.com.
Knightongale Farm, 3924 Solomons Island Road, Harwood. Pumpkins, snacks and refreshment stand, hayrides, face painting, pony rides, petting zoo. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Call 443-871-1073.
Papa John's Farm, 8065 New Cut Road, Severn. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Pumpkins, hayrides (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday). Call 410-969-8810.
