This summer, I finally set out to do something I’d been considering for a few years now: planting a vegetable garden. In July, I stocked up on young pepper plants, cucumber vines, herbs and more from both the farmers market and Bachman’s. By now, I suspect the season is well-past for most of my plants, but there are two that might still be growing strong: a spaghetti squash and a pumpkin.
I have culinary designs for the spaghetti squash, but the rationale behind the pumpkin is a bit more whimsical: I want to see if I can grow a pumpkin large enough to be carved into a clever jack-o’-lantern. I’d have to agree with Quinn Schomburg, Plymouth’s own Pumpkin King—I think all pumpkins inherently have jack-o’-lantern aspirations.
As I write this Editor’s Letter, I have two kohlrabies, five cucumbers and an unmentionable number of jalapeños in my refrigerator. The spaghetti squash has grown exuberantly. The cilantro has given way to coriander, and the Italian parsley has drowned out the dill. My pumpkin vine hasn’t had a strong start, but there’s a bud or two yet. In any event, it’s been sweet to enjoy the literal fruits of my labor.
Right about now, I’d guess Schomburg is doing just that. After all, he has his own crop of pumpkins that need to be transformed. I hope I end up having just a fraction of his success in my own modest pumpkin patch.
Happy Fall,
—Madeline Kopiecki
