The heat brings pumpkins to the Rogue Valley earlier than usual

Central Point, Ore. — Dry conditions and record-breaking heat have pumpkins across the northwest ripening early.

At 7 Oaks Farm in Central Point, pumpkins came about a week or so ahead of schedule.

It’s possible they’ll have a smaller crop of big pumpkins, but say overall their pumpkins, squash, and gourds are coming along just fine but now is the time they really need the weather to cooperate.

“We’d like to, you know, have dry weather through October, and then November first it can rain as much as it wants and snow but at this point it’s good to have some dry weather,” says Jerry Mefford, owner of the 7 Oaks Farm.

Mefford says really wet weather can cause pumpkins to mold, but dry, cool conditions help the pumpkins last longer.

Other Rogue Valley farms tell us they’re seeing a smaller crop this year and their pumpkins are also ahead of schedule.