Photo Gallery | Picking The Perfect Pumpkins

If you are out in the pumpkin patch picking a pumpkin:

Bring a small wagon with you. It's easier to haul tired kids and pumpkins.

Wear boots or old sneakers. It could be wet and muddy in the pumpkin patch.

Pick a pumpkin that you can carry back with you.

If smaller children are carrying pumpkin, pick smaller pumpkins. Remember those little arms will probably get tired before reaching your car.

Bring a sharp knife or pruner.

Cut the vine on either side of the stem. After you get it home, you can trim off the remaining pieces of vine, and cut the stem at the perfect spot.  

Special thanks to Horton Iris Garden Pumpkin Patch who contributed tips for this report along with pumpkins to area youngsters in need.