Pumpkins thriving, despite drought

PARIS, Ill. (WTHI) - Paul Staley of Pumpkin Works is surprised to have as many pumpkins as he does.

In fact, although this year has proved to be one of the worst for the drought, it could be the best for the pumpkin business.

"They just look so good, I can't hardly believe it actually took place," Pumpkin Works Owner Paul Staley said.

Staley wasn't always so hopeful.

They planted the pumpkins in July.

It had been 52 days without a drop of rain, and he was getting worried.

"We were about two days away from ordering a sprinkling system and the pumps to pump out of the creek, and the good Lord gave us a rain, so saved me a lot of money there," Staley said.

After that, rain arrived in small amounts, three inches on his 33 acres of pumpkins.

That's less than a quarter of what they usually get, but it was just enough to make a big difference.

"I'd be surprised if we don't have 25 or 30,000, 50 to 60 pound pumpkins this year."

Their harvest is so healthy, that the vines are big enough to stop deer from getting to the pumpkins and eating them, a problem last year.

Pumpkins look to be the exception this year.

"The beans looked like they were trying to die, the corn did die, and our pumpkins just kind of hung in there."

In two weeks from now, Pumpkin Works expects to have a field-full of orange.

Pumpkin Works said it's not completely out of the clear yet, with the risk of bacteria, powdery mildew, and the cucumber beetle infecting the pumpkins.

However, these problems can be prevented.

Pumpkin Works is growing pink pumpkins for the first time this year and hosting a 5K trail run September 23rd to raise money for Relay for Life.

To register for the run, click on this link .

For more information, click on this link .

Or call (217) 275-3327.