Once upon a time, when I was just a sprightly seven-year-old, I embarked on an adventure in our family garden that would forever be etched in my memory. Our backyard was a small piece of suburban paradise, enclosed by a six-foot fence adorned with grapevines on one side and delicate lattice on the other. Most of our family garden nestled against that charming lattice fence, and it was there that the magic of the “Great Pumpkin Escape” unfolded.

As summer rolled into fall, I couldn’t help but notice something peculiar happening just beyond our lattice fence. The neighbor’s pumpkin vines had surreptitiously crept over to our side, producing three vibrant, plump, and promising bright orange orbs. It was as if the pumpkins had a secret mission to become part of our family’s holiday celebrations.

Week after week, I watched those pumpkins grow larger, their presence fueling my anticipation. Finally, I could contain my excitement no longer, and I decided to confide in my father. With wide eyes and a hopeful heart, I asked, “Dad, do we get to keep the pumpkins?” My father, a man of wisdom and kindness, paused for a moment, taking in the earnestness of my inquiry. Then, he smiled and replied that he would have a friendly chat with Mr. Weber, our neighbor, about the pumpkin situation. Deep down, I think my dad knew just how much those pumpkins meant to me and how they had the potential to be a vital part of our upcoming holiday season.

After what felt like an eternity to a seven-year-old, my dad returned with a grin that stretched from ear to ear. He shared the joyful news that he and Mr. Weber had reached an agreement—the three pumpkins were officially ours to keep. Mr. Weber, a seasoned gardener, had plenty of other pumpkins growing on his side of the fence, and he was happy to share the pumpkin bounty with our family.

With the great pumpkin heist officially sanctioned, my father, the amateur gardener and professional chef, swung into action. Together, we crafted a magnificent Jack-o’-Lantern that would be the centerpiece of our Halloween celebrations. But that was just the beginning of our pumpkin-filled adventure. My dad put his culinary skills to work, roasting pumpkin seeds to perfection, and whipping up mouthwatering pumpkin pies that graced our Thanksgiving and Christmas tables.

Fast forward to today, and I find myself celebrating the magic of pumpkins once again. Here at Food Gardening Network, we’ve made it a priority to create the ultimate Pumpkin Gardening Guide. If you haven’t had the chance to dive into it yet, I promise you’ll be captivated by the history of pumpkins, and you’ll find a treasure trove of gardening tips and hints that will help you grow your own pumpkin patch. The guide also features a delightful collection of pumpkin recipes, each easy to make and utterly delectable.

But the pumpkin fun doesn’t end there! Our October 2023 cover story is all about pumpkins, including the art of pumpkin carving with Amanda. It’s both entertaining and educational, making it a must-read for anyone gearing up for the Halloween season.

And here’s the best part: We want to hear your pumpkin stories too! The joy of pumpkin gardening and the memories it creates are meant to be shared. So, if you’ve got any pumpkin tales to tell, please share them in the comments below. Let’s create a thriving community of food gardeners who revel in the magic of pumpkins, just like my family did during the great pumpkin escape from my childhood.

Happy pumpkin gardening, and happy pumpkin-eating! ????