Yesterday was a glorious, sunny, early Autumn day, the perfect day to take my “pumpkins” to the patch. Our family has been visiting Karen at her pumpkin patch at Suyematsu Farm since before our kids were born and it never disappoints. You definitely want to plan this outing earlier in October rather than later so you have the best selection or chubby, orange, beauties. . .

It’s ideal if you can schedule your visit for a non-rainy day. These are usually plentiful in October on Bainbridge Island so don’t give in and go in the drizzle unless you’re the sort that likes gloom and doom with your pumpkins. I prefer a dazzling sun for my pumpkin hunt.

While the years have past too quickly for my taste, the teens were good sports and the sun was, indeed, showing off a bit to ensure yet another magical afternoon at the pumpkin patch.

On the left, our son several years ago when the “perfect” pumpkin was the biggest one he could carry. These days he’s a lot stronger so thank goodness he’s over that phase! This year he’s snuggling with our Boston Terrier, Piper, who never misses an opportunity to hit the patch, preferrably riding in style:

This is absolutely one of my favorite fall traditions. I adore the smell of the fields, the dust that gets on my boots, the bright orange globes scattered across the field. It is a riot of color, sound, and crisp, fall scents as children of all sizes, grown-ups, and dogs alike (on leashes of course), spend a lazy afternoon searching for “the one.”

You’ll want to start off your hunt by grabbing one of the many free wagons the farm offers to convey your haul across the fields. Be prepared to spend some time looking for your Mr. Right – the bountiful selection can be overwhelming and you really want to ensure that you find the perfect canvas for your Jack-o-Lantern to be.

My adorable hubs and his perfect find. I wonder what it will become in a few weeks…

If you’re the sort that is inclined to artistic flourish and have the best decorated front porch in the neighborhood, don’t miss the ornamental corn and crazy gourds which will perfectly offset and compliment all your beautiful pumpkins! Bonus: it all goes in the compost when you’re finished with it.

Suyematsu Farm sells all different sorts of pumpkins: the traditional carving pumpkins are plentiful but you can also find pumpkins with “warts”, Cinderella and Ghost pumpkins, and even Tiger Stripes pumpkins which are so beautiful if you fancy something off the beaten track.

Be sure to pad your visit with enough time for the tractor ride, a visit to the hay maze (ideal for those under 4’), and lots of photo opportunities with the “wee” ones - my kids are very patient about all the photos…

As Karen’s sign says: “The stem is not a handle. Pick pumpkins up by the bottom.” Oops. Busted!

Suyematsu Farm also has an incredible (and delicious) selection of edible squash. There are loads to choose from including all my favorites: Acorn, Delicata, and Spaghetti, and, of course, the darling sugar pumpkins which make the perfect pumpkin pie. However, if you’re feeling lazy about the pie bit, Diane makes INCREDIBLE home made pumpkin pies which are sold at the farm. This year they are selling for $12/pie - worth every penny in my book! But you’ll be lucky if they have any in stock when you arrive. If I’ve beat you to it, they will all be gone, I guarantee. Sorry, I am a bit greedy when it comes to perfect pies.

Don’t forget to pick up some ornamental gourds for your harvest decorating. You’ll be sure to create your most beautiful Thanskgiving table ever from their selection. Martha Stewart would be so proud!

There are also loads of darling baby pumpkins for the darling baby pumpkins!

You can find Suyematsu Farm off Day Road on Bainbridge Island, east of Highway 305. They are open weekdays 1pm - 6pm and weekends 10am - 5pm. NB: tractor rides are only on the weekends.

Happy pumpkin hunting!

Suyematsu Farm
9229 Day Road
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
(206) 842-1429