Pumpkins for Pigs is a nine-year-old national organization whose mission is to “prevent food waste by getting viable foodstuffs, like pumpkins, to farms and animal sanctuaries for healthy feed.”
This nationwide network connects consumers who want to donate their Halloween decorations with local farms. For a complete listing of participating farms, visit www.pumpkinsforpigs.org.
Since I work in a community garden, we are constantly struggling with what to do with too many tomatoes or zucchini! This organization sounded like the perfect fit for North County residents who will, of course, have lots of leftover pumpkins on Oct. 31.
I have often wondered: Where do all the pumpkins go?
We found our first pumpkin recycling station on the Pumpkins for Pigs list in Encinitas. Olivenhain Farm at Heritage Ranch will gladly take pumpkins of all sizes, as long as they are free of paint and candle wax.
Olivenhain Farm at Heritage Ranch, Encinitas
Natalie Neal, the farm’s director, explained how the pumpkins will be used.
“Sweet Pea, the farm’s resident pig, loves pumpkins,” Neal said. “She is very picky about the types of lettuce we give her, but she will eat every part of the pumpkin.”
Children who participate in Olivenhain Farm’s School Fridays After School Program can meet not only Sweet Pea but also the other animals in the barnyard, including resident goats, chickens, quail, alpacas, rabbits and a miniature horse.
Neal explained how pumpkins are incorporated into the children’s activities.
“We explore everything you can do with a pumpkin inside and out. Of course, cutting it open and pulling out all that wonderful gooey mess is lots of fun and finding lots of seeds to clean or cook as a snack. We talk about seed saving and how important it is to preserve our food for next year.
“Children will interact with all the animals at the farm and take part in the chores that ‘real farmers,’ would do each day. We also have an outdoor Mud Kitchen where kids can make pretend pumpkin soup, and clean their pumpkins without worrying about the mess! And if some of the seeds drop on the ground, they might just sprout next year!”
To register for programs, contact Neal at [email protected] or (619) 432-5121, or visit the farm’s website at www.olivenhainfarms.com for a complete list of programs and events for adults and children.
Donated pumpkins can be left at the farm gate on Quail Gardens Drive in Encinitas.
Amor Mi Vida Farm, Ramona
Amor Mi Vida is just the beginning of an amazing cluster of farms that line the country roads in Ramona.
The family-run working farm, operated by Chris Honadle and her family, sits on 13 acres of picturesque property and is home to pigs, goats, ducks, geese, cows and alpacas.
The family happily accepts donated pumpkins after Halloween, and the fresh produce helps feed the large herd.
Honadle joyfully explained how much the animals enjoy their seasonal treats.
“All of our animals love to eat pumpkins, but our pigs seem to enjoy them the most. They love crunching on the skin and digging into the orange flesh. If some of the seeds are strewn about, they might just grow next year! We appreciate all the pumpkins that come in after the holiday, so bring your pumpkins with you on your visit.
“Families can visit the farm and our farm stand and visit the barnyard where the animals live. It’s a great experience for kids who have never had the pleasure of visiting with farm animals before.”
Honadle encourages families to bring their leftover pumpkins and spend some time exploring the farm.
“We encourage families to bring all their leftover pumpkins to the entrance, and enjoy our farm products and visit with the animals.”
Amor Mi Vida Farm is located at 18585 Oak Ridge Lane in Ramona and is open Friday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call (760) 445-2673 for directions or visit www.amordivida.com.
Farmers near Amor Mi Vida have also compiled a map featuring 20 farms in the Ramona area, available at www.farmstandtv/maps.
A QR code on the map directs visitors to participating farms, each offering its own specialty products, including baked goods, fresh vegetables, honey, pickles, prepared dinners, breads, dairy products and meats.
The map was compiled by local farmers Carissa and Corey Ultsch.
The short, one-hour drive to Ramona makes for a wonderful country excursion for the whole family!
Jano Nightingale is a horticulturist and Master Gardener who teaches vegetable gardening at the Carlsbad Community Garden. Contact her at [email protected] for information about upcoming classes.
