Expert Says It’s a Good Year for Pumpkins

This season's weather conditions have made it a good year for the pumpkin crop.

Cornell University Horticulture Professor Steve Reiners tells the Associated Press that the wet summer and a warm, dry September helped to grow the gourds and ripen the crop while minimizing pumpkin diseases.

Reiner advises pumpkin purchasers to look for a sturdy stem.  If the stem is soft, the pumpkin can be prone to rotting.  Pumpkins with soft spots should also be avoided.