One of the many perks of living in Monterey County are the extensive agricultural resources available throughout the area. These include farm-to-table restaurants, local farmers’ markets, and a variety of seasonal harvest events and activities that contribute to making the beginning of the fall season a particularly special time for residents.
Throughout Monterey, Salinas, Hollister, Watsonville, and even Carmel Valley, local farmers put in hard work, love, and care to start the holiday preparations. For many locals, visiting a pumpkin patch marks the start of fall, but preparing for pumpkin season involves a considerable effort from our local farmers.
TO VIEW OUR LIST OF AREA PUMPKIN PATCHES
As a long-standing customer of Savor the Local—a company that provides fresh produce and specialty items from more than 20 local farmers throughout the Bay Area—I contacted them to gain insight into the farmers contributing to the distinctive character of the fall season. I also spoke with several community members to explore what makes our local farms notable destinations for pumpkin picking.
The first highly recommended local farm was Swank’s Farms, which has been part of the Hollister community since 1928 and is currently owned and operated by Dick Swank. The agricultural purpose of the farm has evolved over the last few decades, initially serving as a producer for seed crops, a dairy farm, and now a vegetable farm and desired event location. Swank Farm features a two-acre pumpkin patch, renowned for its exquisite gourds and ornamental pumpkins, which provides visitors with decorative local produce and creates lasting memories for young children. While they are famously known for their pumpkin patches, they are particularly recognized for hosting numerous fall events that are centered around and amplified by their locally grown pumpkins. Events include Oktoberfest, a fall festival, and corn mazes.
Another great local spot, as shared by Jessica Beauchamp, is the Hacienda Hay and Feed in Carmel Valley, particularly because pumpkins are grown on the property, and visitors have the opportunity to pick them directly from the vine. When asked what makes this location unique for pumpkin picking, Jessica explains, “Growing up on the East Coast, autumn had its own signature crisp, cool sweater weather. In coastal California, however, it is our warmest time of year. My family and I appreciate spending more time outdoors in the sunshine, especially when it comes to participating in fall activities in the area.” Jenny Leigh also echoes the sentiment that our local weather makes fall activities more enjoyable. She emphasizes, “We get our warmest day in our fall months! It is special that we can do fall activities and hit the beach or pool all in the same day!”
Right next door to Hacienda is the well-known Earthbound Farmstand located in the Carmel Valley. It’s hard to miss the beautiful, colorful variety of pumpkins stacked around the farmstand when driving down Carmel Valley Road. When I spoke to Earthbound Organic Heritage Director, Janna Jo Williams, she told me “Fall represents the culmination of a bountiful farming spring and summer season, as well as a time to regenerate our fields and get started on planting our winter crops. Plus, we get to play with pumpkins!” Janna says Earthbound prides itself in its varietals, stating, “Our pumpkins, winter squash, and gourds come in a multitude of different colors, sizes, and shapes. From traditional to heirloom, the coolest thing is that they were all grown using certified organic practices, keeping the Earth, the farmers, and the consumers all safe from conventional agricultural chemicals.”
The next farm is Borchard Farms, located in Salinas, which boasts itself as the home of the giant pumpkins. This farm does not open to the public for pumpkin activities until early September, giving farmers and local supporters enough time to prepare for visitors. Borchard Farms was initially established in 1956 and prides itself on family, which is what the falll season is all about. By the 1970s, the farm run by Ed Borchard and his sons was thriving with a variety of produce, but it was Ed’s son, Tom, who discovered a unique talent for growing giant pumpkins, even competing in pumpkin contests throughout the area.
Eventually, the farm evolved into a tourist attraction and a means of connecting with the local community. In addition to the giant pumpkins, Borchard also has gourds for decorating and squash for cooking some amazing fall seasonal recipes. Local pumpkin patch enthusiast, Katie Soltas, said that “As my kids have gotten older, our family has found that the seasonal patch at Borchard Farms has more enticing offerings for older children with activities such as a corn maze, a haunted house, face painting, and a giant pumpkin pyramid. While food options are limited, the farm is located close to Historic Downtown Salinas, so it’s easy to find a new favorite lunch spot beforehand.”
Whether visiting Salinas, Carmel, or Hollister to explore these farms, it’s evident that the farmers put an extensive amount of love and care into preparing the fall seasonal pumpkin activities. Based on the pumpkin patch experiences of locals in the area, there is an extensive amount of joy and appreciation for local farm offerings, making these activities part of their fall traditions for years to come.
FOR MORE INFO
- Borchard Farms, 142 Rodgers Rd, Salinas, CA 93907, (831) 449-1062 | borchardfarms.com
- Earthbound Farmstand, 7250 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, 93923, (831) 625-6219, earthboundfarm.com/farm-stand
- Hacienda Hay & Feed, 7180 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel, 93923, (831) 293-8133, haciendacv.store
- Swank Farms, 4751 Pacheco Pass Hwy, Hollister, 95023, (831) 637-4704, swankfarms.com
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