Something Wicked This Way Comes…..
23 October 2026
A Spookily Successful Pumpkin Pilot at Salle Moor Hall Farm
There’s a certain magic in watching a new idea take root—especially when that idea grows into something big, bright, and gloriously orange. This year, Salle Moor Hall Farm dipped its toes (or perhaps its muddy boots) into something entirely new: pumpkins. And not just a handful. We planted around 200 seeds across a couple of trial rows, marking the beginning of what promises to become a signature autumn attraction at the farm.
And reader… something wicked this way comes.
🎃 A New Venture Takes Shape
Pumpkins are a fresh concept for the farm—an experiment born from curiosity, creativity, and a desire to bring a little seasonal enchantment to our corner of Norfolk. For this pilot scheme, we selected three varieties:
- Connecticut Field – the classic carving pumpkin, steeped in tradition.
- Kratos – a robust, reliable performer with excellent shape.
- Atlantic Giant – the behemoth; the stuff of village legend and friendly competition.
These rows became our autumn laboratory, quietly growing beneath the summer sun while we watched, watered, weeded, and wondered.
🌱 The Results: A Wickedly Good Start
The trial has been a success. Despite the dry weather over the summer, the plants established well, some fruit set beautifully, and the varieties gave us exactly the mix of character we hoped for—from perfect porch pumpkins to giants that look like they rolled straight out of a fairy tale.
Most importantly, the pilot proved what we suspected: Salle Moor Hall Farm is an ideal home for pumpkins.
🌾 Next Year: Scaling Up the Spell
With the trial rows thriving, we’re ready to turn this small experiment into a full‑blown autumn spectacle. In 2027, we’ll be expanding the pumpkin scheme to approximately 1.5 acres, introducing additional varieties to broaden the colour, shape, and size palette.
Think of it as a pumpkin patch with ambition—one that grows a little more magical each year.
👻 October 2027: Pumpkin Picking Weekends
Once the field is glowing with orange orbs next autumn, we’ll be opening it up for pumpkin picking over two or three weekends in October 2027. Visitors will be able to wander the patch, choose their perfect pumpkin, and soak up the seasonal atmosphere.
But that’s only the beginning.
We’re planning to feature:
- Seasonal specialties from our resident businesses
- Food trucks serving autumnal favourites
- Spooky surprises tucked around the farm
- Photo spots, family-friendly frights, and a few mischievous touches
It will be wholesome, atmospheric, and just a little wicked—in the best possible way.
🧙♀️ A New Tradition Begins
This pilot scheme marks the start of something special at Salle Moor Hall Farm. What began as a couple of rows and a pocketful of seeds is growing into a new annual tradition—one that blends agriculture, community, creativity, and a dash of Halloween mischief.
The pumpkins have spoken. And next year, they’re coming back in force.
Something wicked this way comes… and we can’t wait to welcome you to the patch.
