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Step 1
Plan a trip to the pumpkin patch. Look in the local newspaper for farms that offer pick your own pumpkins. Choose a location that offers activities such as haystack rides, a gift shop and even corn mazes.
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Step 2
Decide how your will use your pumpkin. Carving a pumpkin is common around Halloween. Setting pumpkins outside to decorate a porch or lawn is popular throughout the fall; from early October, through Thanksgiving and Halloween. Select a pumpkin for baking, too.
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Step 3
Choose a pumpkin with a flat bottom for carving. Sit the pumpkin on the ground and make sure it doesn’t roll over. Check to make sure at least half of the outer skin is free of blemishes, so you have a clear area to carve. Choose a pumpkin with a stem, so the top can act as a lid after the pumpkin is carved. Select a pumpkin that is light weight. Pumpkins with less seeds and flesh inside, are easier to carve.
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Step 4
Pick a pumpkin with character. Select from orange, white, green and even pale yellow pumpkins. Look at the variety of pumpkin shapes available. Some are tall and skinny, while others are plump and round. Pick a pumpkin that goes well with your decorating theme.
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Step 5
Select small, heavy pumpkins for fall baking. Look over the pumpkin for blemishes. Pumpkins with bug holes, deep cuts or mushy flesh should be avoided. Select firm, evenly colored pumpkins for baking. Use the pumpkin flesh to make pumpkin bread, pumpkin bars and roast the pumpkin seeds as a snack.
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Step 6
Choose a variety of pumpkins for fall centerpieces. Mix and match mini pumpkins with full sized ones. Use gourds and fall leaves as an accent.
