Harvest came a bit early for a group of youngsters affiliated with Allen County Big Brothers Big Sisters.
The children picked about 160 pounds of pumpkins from a plot at Elm Creek Community Garden Friday, which they in turn hope to sell at Thursday’s Farmers Market in Iola.
The pumpkins were picked a bit early because their vines had begun to break apart and die, explained BBBS officer Jackie Smith.
The garden plot was planted in May, although weeds quickly overtook the vines, Smith said.
Still, several healthy looking pumpkins were pulled, about 50 in all.
“And that’s just half of what we planted,” she said. “I know they’ve said it’s been a rough year here in the garden, but we’re very happy to get these pumpkins out.”
Another BBBS plot nearby has pumpkins growing with healthier vines. That portion has been weeded constantly.
Smith hopes to have the now-empty garden plot leveled and tilled so that fall corn can be planted.
On hand for Friday’s harvest were “Littles In Waiting” — children who have yet to be matched with a mentor — as well as some kids who weren’t affiliated with BBBS but still wanted to help.
Youngsters find pumpkins aplenty
