Social media has turned pumpkin picking into a Halloween cash cow for many farmers, with thousands of pumpkins being grown in various regions. This trend has been attributed to the
increasing popularity of pumpkin picking experiences, thanks to platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
In the Vale of Glamorgan, approximately 100,000 pumpkins are being cultivated, and at least five farms are offering pick-your-own pumpkin experiences. Some businesses in Flintshire claim they can earn up to £30,000 per acre by providing this activity to visitors.
Phil Handley, of the Mostyn Kitchen Garden, explained the financial benefits: "You can plant 5,000 pumpkins an acre. A pumpkin in a supermarket might be a couple of quid, but people will pay more for the outdoor experience and have some fun picking pumpkins. So our pumpkins are between £2 to £10. If you take an average price of £5, that's £25,000 an acre." When including refreshments, the earnings could even exceed £30,000.
"Pick-your-own" experiences have made a comeback, with a surge in demand from customers seeking to engage with agriculture firsthand, thanks to the allure of social media. Phil Handley added, "It used to be big in the '80s and now it's back and more popular than ever because of social media."
Forage Farm, located on the Penllyn Estate in the Vale of Glamorgan, has been offering pumpkin picking for the third consecutive year. Business is thriving, with a 40% increase in ticket sales, and they expect around 4,000 visitors over the weekend. The influence of social media is evident, but many customers are returning visitors who appreciate the experience.
More than 10,000 pumpkins are grown on the Penllyn Estate, offering 20 different varieties. According to managing partner Matt Homfray, pumpkin farming can be lucrative for farmers, driving an increasing number of them to venture into this activity. He emphasized that planning and preparation span approximately six months to make this venture successful.
The Vale of Glamorgan boasts five farms offering pumpkin picking experiences within a relatively small radius, and the demand is substantial. Mr. Homfray noted that neighboring pumpkin farmers have reported being completely sold out.
The Farmers' Union of Wales recognizes the potential of diversification like this to connect farming with people and provide much-needed additional income for farmers.
Visitors to pumpkin patches, like David and Maria Booker and their son Luca, were drawn to the experience through social media. Maria Booker stated, "I've seen lots of people put it on social media, and then you want to join in and do it."
Ceri Russell and her daughter Kady also embraced the muddy experience, explaining that the trend was fueled by Instagram and the desire to make Halloween a family affair. She mentioned, "I've already spent £20."
Cat Gauci, from Cardiff, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the role of Instagram in making pumpkin picking more popular. She said, "People are taking pictures of their kids and putting it on Instagram, and it definitely adds to the popularity of it."
Despite the cost, many families, like Dave and Gemma Hill with their children Jenson and Joseph, see pumpkin picking as a valuable experience. Gemma Hill noted, "It is an experience even if it is more expensive than buying them in a supermarket." Photo by Scott McLeod, Wikimedia commons.