Key facts
- Drought conditions in England have led to smaller pumpkin harvests.
- Pumpkins are 90% water and require significant irrigation.
- Alternative vegetables like turnips and mangelwurzels were historically carved.
- Some growers are using compost cakes to retain moisture for pumpkins.
- The dry weather has resulted in hard-skinned pumpkins that store well.
England's prolonged drought this year has severely impacted agricultural harvests, leading to expectations of smaller pumpkins for Halloween. Experts warn that the squashes, which are 90% water, have struggled to grow to their usual size. This situation has prompted suggestions to use mini pumpkins or to revert to carving root vegetables like turnips and mangelwurzels, a tradition dating back to 17th-century Britain.