Monday, September 26, 2011

Facts on Pumpkins and Squashes.


Did you know that it gives hundreds of different varieties of pumpkins and when you google pumpkins you get about 45,800,000 results. When you google pumpkin recipes you get about 26,200,000 results.
We grow 25 different varieties of pumpkins in our 3 1/2 acre garden. We grow this many different varieties so that we can get tan, blue, green , orange, warted, flat, tall, round, deeply ribbed, small, or huge pumpkins. Some of the names include: Cinderella, Knuckle Head, Long Island Cheese, Polar Bear, Baby Boo, Marina Di Chioggia and of course we have standard carving pumpkins. At Penner Pumpkins we love having a variety of pumpkins so that people can make beautiful fall arrangements and strange Halloween displays.

Pumpkin can be used in a variety of different ways such as: muffins, soups, breads, pies, cookies, pancakes, chili, cheesecake, cake, stew, casseroles, stir frys, and so much more.

A good website on pumpkins is www.allaboutpumpkins.com/varieties.html. A good website for information on pumpkins that is geared for children is





When you google squash you get about 101,000,000 results. When you google squash recipes you get about 20,100,000 results. We grow 11 varieties of squash at Penner Pumpkins. We grow squash for people to eat, but they are also really pretty in fall decorating.


Thursday, September 22, 2011

Contests for Facebook




Penner Pumpkin has three different contests running on facebook.

The first is to get to 250 likes and than Lorissa will draw a name and that person will win some fall decorating items.

The second contest is for people to submit a photo of the Scarecrow Forest. If by Oct. 2o we have a minimum of 10 people submit a photo Lorissa will randomly select a winner and that person will win some pumpkins. Directions on how to submit a photo How do you post a picture? Make a comment and there should be a photo button on top, click that button and upload your favorite photo.

The third contest is for people to either share what they like about the Forest or give us a review. If we get 10 people to respond than Lorissa will enter the people who have responded and they will win some pumpkins.






Monday, September 19, 2011

Squashes

Penner Pumpkins grows squash for two reasons. One is for eating and the second reason is for fall decorating. I find that people like different squash and some people want a certain type of squash and some people like to experiment and try new ones. That is why we grow so many different types of squash. Squashes can also be used in fall decorations. A couple of years ago a customer told me she used blue Hubbard squash to carve instead of pumpkins. I tried that idea and made a really cool looking face.

Red kuri- Hubbard type, smooth-textured flesh. Has a very sweet taste (as good as eating candy). Good for pies and purees because specks of skin (being red) will not show.

Blue Hubbard- medium dry and sweet flesh. Has yellow flesh.

Sunshine- flesh is smooth, nutty, creamy, and sweet. A buttercup variety. Has bright red-orange flesh and is ideal for baking or mashing.

Carnival- similar to sweet dumpling. Good for using in a fall arrangements. This squash colorful patches and flecks of green, orange, and yellow. A very pretty looking squash.

Sweet dumpling- sweet, single-serving size. Sweet, tender, and orange flesh.

Delicata- very sweet, smooth and excellent for stuffing and baking (sweet potato taste).

Spaghetti- flesh looks like spaghetti. Use it instead of noodles.

Acorn- Table Ace, sweet and bright orange flesh.

Butternut- flesh is dark orange, fine textured, and sweet tasting.

Grey Ghost- stores well, 12-20 lbs (so it’s a big squash), very nice in fall decorating, orange flesh.

Monday, September 12, 2011

What can you do at the Scarecrow Forest 2011



There is a lot of things to do at the Scarecrow Forest.
For $8.00 (includes taxes) you can:
  • Scarecrow Forest Path-see 23 different scarecrow scenes set up in our Forest
  • Petting Farm-see goats, a pot belly pig, guinea fowl, silkie chickens, a rabbit and cats.
  • Betsy (Simulated Milking Cow)
  • Farm Animal Maze- Find 10 hidden animals in the maze.
  • Corn Box-play in some corn. Remember the balls from fast food restaurants, while that is how this feels.
  • Sand Box
  • Play Structures
  • Rope Maze
  • Bales Of Fun
  • Corn Trail
Ticketed activities:

-Water pump duck races (you get to keep your duck)
-Trike track
-Zip line (had an 18 month all the way up to a 80 year old go on the zip line)
-Tractor train ride (the whole family can enjoy a scenic ride and see some cows)
-Corn Cannon (shoot tennis balls at a barn, get 3 balls)
-Pony rides (take a ride on Spud or Jenny)
-Large pumpkin painting
-Mini pumpkin painting

In September & October.
Stuff a scarecrow.
Includes clothes, straw and pumpkin head.
$12 no stand
$18 includes stand



Open Farm Day 2011

Open Farm Day is happening this Sunday, Sept. 18. This is a opportunity for the public to view various farms. There will be a bison farm, dairy farms, market gardens, greenhouses, a horseback riding operation, an alpaca farm, chicken farm, and so much more.

This day gives the public the opportunity to explore farms and ask questions about where your food comes from or the amount of work that goes into a farm.

The Scarecrow Forest will be opening a small part of their operation to the public. You will have the chance to tour our 0.3 acre market garden (see some pumpkins and gourds in the garden), play in a corn box, pet one of our goats, browse through our gift shop where you can buy jellies, jams, relishes, vegetables, pumpkins, gourds, Indian corn, gift items, squash, etc. The Scarecrow Forest cost $8.00 to get in (which includes taxes) and the extra activities are $1.50 to $4.50. To do the extra activities you need to pay admission to the Forest.

The Scarecrow Forest will also be having a special meal on this day. We will be serving pork on a bun, baked potato, drink, coleslaw, and baked beans. Our other menu items will be available.

Check this website for more information on Open Farm Day and to get a map of the various farms that will be opening there doors to the public: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/financial/openfarmday/ofd_home.html

Check out this site for different videos that show the various farms that will be open to the public: http://www.youtube.com/user/OpenFarmDay#p/f

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Scarecrow Forest Menu 2011

Menu:

Hotdog
Sausage burger

Chips (salt & vinegar, ketchup, BBQ, regular, and sour cream & onion)

Pop (Rootbeer, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Orange Crush, 7 up, Brisk Ice Tea)
Apple Juice
Fruit Juices
Coffee
Hot Apple Cider
Hot Chocolate and White Hot Chocolate

Candy bags

Chocolate bars (Mr. Big, Aero, Kit Kat, Coffee Crisp, and smarties)

Onion Rings
French Fries

Our snack shack runs like a restaurant. We need 10-20 mins to prepare hot food items. Place an order than take a walk through the Forest and when you finish the loop your order will be hot and ready. Or place your order, take a look at the petting zoo animals, and than come and have some delicious food.

Coming soon:
Pumpkin cookies
Pumpkin pie