Squash down: smaller pumpkins expected this Halloween after drought in England
Source: The Guardian ·
Data shows 2026 could be worst harvest on record, as growers suggest painting faces on vegetables instead of carvingIn the lead-up to Halloween, front porches across the country feature fat, proudly carved pumpkins, lit from within by tea lights.But this year there is likely to be a shortage due to drought, experts have warned, with the squashes much smaller than usual. Continue reading...
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In the lead-up to Halloween, front porches across the country feature fat, proudly carved pumpkins, lit from within by tea lights. But this year there is likely to be a shortage due to drought, experts have warned, with the squashes much smaller than usual. Mini pumpkins will have to be used, and some have suggested that those celebrating the spooky festival draw faces on vegetables instead of carving them. England has faced a punishing drought for most of this year, which has dramatically affected harvests. Data has found that this year could be the worst harvest on record as farmers struggled to irrigate their crops. Pumpkins are 90% water, and need a lot of it to grow. The vegetables are native to the Americas and were brought over in the Tudor period, during the 16th century. Guy Singh-Watson, the founder of organic veg box company Riverford, said: “After such an extraordinarily hot, dry summer, it’s not surprising that Halloween pumpkins are smaller than usual as they are mostly…
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