The Racer variety is the best for this purpose explains Jono, "The growing conditions this year have been very good for pumpkins, we have had no adverse effects from the heavy rain last year."
The pumpkins harvested now have a shelf life till mid November, but as Jono explains they are unmarketable after Halloween so it is important to get it right. "If you grow too many you just have to plough them back in."
There are of course pumpkins and squash grown for other uses, Jono said the market for this is not huge but is stable.
Jono supplies Barfoots of Botley, who in turn supply a couple of the major UK retailers.
For more information:
Jono Smales
P D Smales & Son
Tel: 0044 1794 390451
Email: jonosmales@hotmail.com