Harris grows great pumpkins

By JAMES CLARK / Editor for the Southern Standard

Kenny Harris arranges pumpkins at his Farmers Market booth Friday afternoon. Harris has over 1,000 pumpkins he’ll be selling at the Farmers Market until he runs out.

If you’ve ever thought about carving a 40-pound pumpkin, you better find Kenny Harris at the Farmers Market.

The arrival of fall means it’s time for the leaves to change and the Halloween spirits to arise. It also time to start thinking about jack-o’-lanterns.

If you want your pumpkin super-sized, Harris grows them as big as a beach ball, or as small as a grapefruit. He had some around 50 pounds last year, but the dry summer didn’t produce any that large this year.

“I have about three acres with nothing but pumpkins,” said Harris. “We picked the last ones last week and now they’re all in the barn. There’s probably 1,200 to 1,500 of them.”

Harris said a trick of the trade is to spray bleach on the pumpkins. That keeps the fungus off, which also holds back rot.

Regular-sized pumpkins are available for $2 and the giant ones cost $10. Harris said he’ll be set up at the Farmers Market during regular market hours until he runs out.

One of the big Farmers Market events of the year is this Saturday, Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. when the Little Miss and Mister Pumpkin Contest takes place. Entries must be received at the Farmers Market by Sept. 30. Forms are available at the county extension office (473-8484) or the Farmers Market. Market hours are Wednesday and Saturday from 6 a.m. till noon, and Friday from noon till 6 p.m.