Pumpkin Patch Guide To Palo Alto, Nearby: 2020

PALO ALTO, CA — With just 23 days to go until Halloween, time is ticking to get those pumpkins picked and carved.

Though we are living through unprecedented times with many activities closed or altered in some fashion, there are still some options when it comes to finding a pumpkin patch near you.

Once there, be sure to look for a pumpkin with a firm stem.

"That's a great indicator of how healthy it is," horticulturist Steve Reiners told NPR. If the stem is along the rubbery side, "chances are rot organisms will start to soften the pumpkin quickly."

And when you carve that perfect pumpkin, you can plan on it lasting up to 10 days before it starts to show signs of aging. However, if you want to make it last longer, you can mix three teaspoons of bleach with three gallons of water and spray the solution throughout, according to Clorox.

The perfect temperature to store your pumpkin? That’ll be about 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, Reiners said.

Here are some pumpkin patches near you:

• Arata Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay — Half Moon Bay's annual pumpkin festival has been canceled this year, but pumpkin farms are still open, including Arata's. According to the farm's website, "Arata's Pumpkin Farm is the oldest sustainable pumpkin farm in San Mateo County. Pumpkins have been a way of life at the Arata Farm since 1932." Not only do they have tons of pumpkins, large and small, but they also have a hay maze, a haunted barn, a petting zoo, hayrides, pony rides, and a train ride. The farm is open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. 7 days a week through Halloween. In October, they remain open until 10:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The address of Arata Pumpkin Farm is 185 Verde Rd., Half Moon Bay, CA 94019.
• Farmer John's Pumpkin Farm in Half Moon Bay — Yes, there is a real Farmer John, and he is on hand to talk with you about pumpkins and picking the perfect gourd. Take photos in front of a teepee, and if you visit on Oct. 4, it's Bernese Mountain Dog Day. Last year, more than 130 dogs visited. Farmer John's is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Halloween. The address is 850 North Cabrillo Highway (1 mile North of Hwy 92, on the oceanside), Half Moon Bay, CA.
• Joan's Farm and Pumpkin Patch in Livermore is your choice if you want to venture over to the East Bay. The farm has plentiful pumpkins, an Old West town, Fort Maze, a petting zoo, an Antique Farm Equipment Museum, and Joan's Cafe. Bring your camera because there are photo opportunities galore. They prefer cash, so stop at the ATM before you arrive, or there is an ATM at the farm. Joan's is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, Oct. 3 through Halloween. The address of Joan's Farm and Pumpkin Patch is 4351 Mines Road, Livermore, CA 94550

If we missed your favorite pumpkin patch or Halloween event, be sure to share it with readers in the comments section.