Are you in need of pumpkins for the fall season?

Get your pumpkins from St. Johns County 4-H!

The start of a new 4-H year brought new youth and new ideas to the St. Johns County 4-H Program. Of these new ideas, the 4-H Pumpkin Project was initiated. The 4-H Pumpkin Project educates youth about harvesting, agribusiness, entrepreneurship, food safety and culinary arts. Throughout the fall season, 4-H members will further their knowledge of the pumpkin industry at three hands-on learning opportunities led by Extension Agents from St. Johns and Flagler County.

At the first meeting, the 4-H’ers traveled to the UF/IFAS Hastings Agriculture Extension Center. The St. Johns County Agriculture Extension Agent, Prissy Fletcher, oversaw a half-acre pumpkin demonstration supported by St. Johns County BOCC. The plot boasted twelve (12) specialty varieties. The 4-H’ers had hands-on opportunities to learn about farm safety, equipment, harvesting techniques, grading, and pumpkin varieties. Youth worked to harvest many different varieties in preparation for their 4-H Pumpkin Stand. At the end of harvesting, one youth stated that he never knew there were so many types of pumpkins!

The second meeting will consist of the 4-H’ers hosting a 4-H Pumpkin Stand to the public. With the funds raised, youth will work to make a difference in the community by addressing an agricultural related community need. Any remaining funds will be put back into the project to the project next year.

The 4-H Pumpkin Stand will take place on October 28th, 2021 from 11:30 AM-6:00 PM at the Hastings Agriculture and Extension Center (595 E. St. Johns Ave, Hastings, FL 32145). All pumpkins MUST be pre-ordered on Eventbrite. To order pumpkins, click here. There are many specialty varieties available including porcelain doll, jarrahdale, seminole, and kakai. Get your 4-H pumpkins today!

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