This Halloween, support the Great British Pumpkin Patch

This Halloween, be sure to support a local pumpkin grower.

I've always been a fan of Halloween, since as far back as I can remember.

The Halloween theme compliments the autumnal season perfectly: darker evenings, falling leaves and of course, the pumpkin.

Carving pumpkins as a kid, though a distant memory, is one recall fondly. I've always been envious of the American celebrations around Halloween and was fortunate enough to visit Massachusetts during fall some years ago.

Ever since then, I've embraced all things pumpkin: scented candles, soup and pie. Recently, I've noticed a surge in support for the pumpkin by fellow Brits on social media. Just type in pumpkin patch UK on Instagram and you'll be greeted with amazing shots of people up and the down the country exploring the ever-growing number of pumpkin patches popping up.

I reached out to some of the pumpkin patch owners that I found most commonly tagged, to ask them about their experiences and to establish whether this was indeed a new phenomenon.

Crockford Bridge Farm in Surrey started over 30 years ago, as it has always been part of their crop rotation.

Maxeys Farm in Nottinghamshire shop began in 2012 with the aim of engaging children in how vegetables grow. Mrs. Maxey tells me that kids "just aren't interested in broccoli, but pumpkins are something they can relate to very easily."

Both patches have noticed an increase in pumpkin sales in recent years. All sizes are popular, but kids love the miniature ones; particularly the conveniently named white 'casparita' variety which can be found at some locations.

When driving through rural Massachusetts, it was hard not to spot pumpkin patch signs dotted along the roadside. Back in the UK, I've tended to get mine from the nearest supermarket. Clearly though, the thought of picking my own is much more interesting and I can't begin to imagine how excited I'd have been as a youngster.

Another patch owner from Kent says: "It's a perfect excuse to get the family outside to enjoy a day in the wild before the temperatures plummet before winter".

He adds, "our lovely patch makes a way better setting for the family or couple than a supermarket!".

Social media and instagram in particular has clearly been a useful tool for patch owners to promote their business.

All agree that photographs are a central part of a customer's visit. Katherine at Maxeys tells me that in her experience though, it's not a new phenomenon: "people have always had their photos taken, that's part of the tradition, many plot their children's development through these photos as memories".

Crockford Bridge Farm say that while the bulk of visitors go home with a pumpkin, some do just come along for the photo opportunity.

Pumpkin sales are profitable, but like with any crop, it doesn't come without hard work and some setbacks. Growers are reliant on mother nature being kind.

Growers argue that unlike fruit however, pumpkins are relatively easy to grow, as they don't require as much infrastructure of labour cost over its growing cycle.

Of course, pumpkins are not just for decoration or Instagram. Crockford Bridge Farm ensure their customers can take home a few tried and tested recipes cards to help provide inspiration.

"The best use in my opinion, is using the smaller varieties to stuff with rice, beans and peppers; tastes amazing and looks great on the plate" explains Matthew, a grower from Canterbury.

Katherine Maxey goes even further with her pumpkin inspired delicacies: "we use pumpkins in a variety of ways for food including soup, roast savoury rolls, chutney and ice cream". They even have an exclusive pumpkin gin.

So, with Halloween weekend approaching, why not use the opportunity to get out into the country for the day to bag yourself a pumpkin at a local patch. Like the regulars at Maxey's Farm, you too could make it an annual tradition that forms precious family memories for years to come.

Maxyes Farm Shop: Maxeys Farm Shop, based in Kirklington, Nottinghamshire. As well as its exquisite pumpkin patch, the shop has a delightful Deli Counter with a huge selection of cheese, Butchers Counter with locally sourced meat, Fresh Fish, Bread, Home Made Cakes, Giftware and lots more!

Crockford Bridge Farm: A family owned farm near Weybridge in Surrey. They grow 20 different crops that are available for you to pick yourself directly from our fields. Also perfect for Christmas trees.

5 Facts about Pumpkins

1. Pumpkins are grown on every continent except Antarctica
2. The world's heaviest pumpkin weighed over 2,600 pounds
3. Each pumpkin has about 500 seeds
4. There are more than 45 different varieties of pumpkin
5. The original jack-o'-lanterns were made with turnips and potatoes by Irish settlers in America