Shop Products
Houzz Logo Print
glenn1967

fall decor

glenn1967
18 years ago

Hi all! I've been lurking and reading up on all of your old posts over the past few weeks and wanted to finally say hello - I've recently moved to New York State from Florida and have 11 acres with barns that I'd like to (slowly) transform into a cutting garden/greenhouses, etc. I'd like to plant gourds, indian corn, etc for fall selling - I don't see any old posts on those topics and was wondering what varieties you all plant for fall and any advice (or links to old posts that I may have missed) you can give. Thanks so much!

Glenn

Comments (5)

  • bryan_ut
    18 years ago

    Pumpkins, Gourds, indian corn, sorgum, and regular sweet corn (for tassels) are all good. Almost any variety depending on your area and taste. Look through Johnnys, Harris and Germanias catalogs and then decide. If you are really going to do it I would suggest getting a wreath maker.

    Good luck. Its hard to think Fall already!

    Bryan

  • flowerfarmer
    18 years ago

    Welcome to the Cutting Garden Glenn. Your description of your farm conjures up a Norman Rockwell image in my mind. Is it going to be a destination farm with corn mazes, hay rides, apple cider and the whole nine yards?

    Our market is open until the Saturday before Thanksgiving; and, because we sell specialty cutflowers, our customers expect that our offering of ornamental corn, gourds and pumpkins is going to be unique. We don't grow I guess what you'd call ordinary pumpkins because the fruit and produce vendors are already doing that. We grow heirloom varieties. If you're going to be a destination farm then, of course, you'll want to appeal to both -- people who just want a pumpkin and gourds -- and others who are looking for something different.

    Customers always seem to want corn stalks for fall decoration. We use bales of straw for our props in the fall; and, customers are always buying our props. One year we sold mini bales of straw. Wheat is also popular. We have made table decorations with shafts of wheat.

    Last fall, Martha Stewart featured a family farm in Illinois. All of their pumpkins and gourds were heirloom varieties. I have their catalog, and have ordered from them for this season. I'll look up the information, and email their web address to you. The "good thing" about growing the heirloom seeds from these folks is that you can save the seed for the next season. It also helps keep some of the very old varieties from becoming extinct.

    Everyone likes the regular size Indian corn as well as the mini-ornamental. We've also grown Bloody Butcher. All of the sorghums and dried grasses are popular.

    Good luck with your new venture.

    Trish


  • neil_allen
    18 years ago

    Here's another seed source, for gourd, ornamental corn and "pumpkin pepper" seeds in my neck of the woods. Although on some pages the site mentions a minimum size order for "merchandise," I don't believe the minimum applies to seed orders.

    Among other things, Mr. Eckler has developed a niche of supplying corn shocks for broadway shows and movies -- he knows how to give designers the "look" they're after.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Eckler Farms

  • pollieplumm
    18 years ago

    Dear Glenn,

    Wow! Ten acres. I rent a small plot from local council in Liverpool, UK (near Penny Lane!) which is 100' by 30' and that keeps me busy...although I am obviously a part-timer. I have bought some seeds from a company in the States this year. They specialise in heirloom varieties of fruit and vegetables. I can't say how good the seeds are, as I've only just planted them, but I am excited to see some of my asparagus sprouting this week...I also ordered their indian corn, plus some heirloom pumkin seeds. Their prices were very reasonable by UK standards, so you might be interested in seeing if they have anything of interest to you. I have put the link below.

    Good luck with all of your acres! I am slightly envious, but I know I won't envy you the aches, pains and headaches.

    Pollie.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Roguelands Vegetable Seeds

  • Noni Morrison
    18 years ago

    Hi Pollie! Nice to see you here, and welcome Glen! Pollie, the seeds grown in the Rogue valley may not work too well for you, as the Rogue is around 100 degrees much of the summer and is quite a bit colder then you in the winter. So the seed is probably lovely seed but the varieties may not be the best for you. I would start them out in a greenhouse if you have one so they get the heat they are used to to germinate at least.

Sponsored
Iris Design Associates
Average rating: 5 out of 5 stars22 Reviews
Northern Virginia Landscape Architect - 13x Best of Houzz Winner!