Smaller Pumpkins, Bigger Questions: England’s Halloween Harvest Struggles

As Halloween approaches, many families in England are preparing to decorate their homes with carved pumpkins. However, this year, those looking for the biggest, roundest pumpkins may be disappointed. According to The Guardian, a severe drought—a long period of time with very little rain—has significantly affected the harvest. Farmers have struggled to provide enough water for their crops, leading to pumpkins that are much smaller than in previous years.

This news follows earlier reports about the difficult growing season in 2026. Because pumpkins are made of about 90% water, they need a large amount of moisture to grow to their full size. The Guardian reports that this year could be the worst harvest on record. While some gardeners have tried new methods to help their crops grow in heavy clay soil, the lack of rain has made it very hard to get the desired results.

Guy Barter, the chief horticulturalist at the Royal Horticultural Society, explained that pumpkins are usually good at surviving dry weather. However, he noted that the extreme heat and lack of water this year pushed them to their limit. He added that the heat caused the fruits to ripen earlier than usual. On the positive side, the pumpkins that were harvested have hard rinds and are in good condition, meaning they should store well for those who still plan to carve them.

While the smaller size of the pumpkins is a practical problem for those wanting to carve traditional faces, it has also started a wider conversation about waste. Guy Singh-Watson, the founder of the organic vegetable company Riverford, believes that the current situation is a chance to change how we celebrate. He pointed out that growing a large, watery vegetable just to throw it away after one night of Halloween is not environmentally friendly. He argued that growing any crop has an environmental cost, and creating a large amount of waste without feeding anyone does not make much sense.

Instead of focusing on giant pumpkins, Singh-Watson suggests that people should return to older traditions. In the 17th century, before pumpkins became the standard, people in Britain carved root vegetables like turnips and mangelwurzels to mark the ancient festival of Samhain. These carved vegetables were used to represent spirits and were thought to keep evil away. Singh-Watson suggests that today’s families could paint faces on smaller, colorful squashes instead of carving them. This would allow people to use the vegetables for decoration first, and then cook them into delicious soups or meals afterward.

This approach offers a way to enjoy the season while being more mindful of resources. There is an extraordinary variety of squashes available, such as crown prince, red onion, and sweet lightning varieties. These vegetables come in many different shapes and colors, offering just as much beauty for decorations as a traditional pumpkin, but with much more flavor. By choosing these options, consumers can celebrate the abundance of the autumn season without the guilt of throwing away food.

Despite the challenges, the tradition of Halloween remains strong. While the pumpkins on front porches might be smaller this year, they still represent a long-standing custom. Experts suggest that the current drought is a reminder to be more flexible with our holiday habits. Whether people choose to find smaller pumpkins or switch to other types of winter squashes, the focus this year seems to be shifting toward sustainability. As the season continues, many are looking at this as an opportunity to appreciate the natural variety of the harvest rather than focusing only on the size of a single vegetable. As the weather turns colder and we move toward the end of the year, these smaller, more flavorful squashes will likely become a common sight on dinner tables across the country.