England is likely to see a shortage of pumpkins this Halloween, with experts warning that the squashes will be much smaller than usual. This is attributed to a punishing drought that has affected the country for most of this year, dramatically impacting harvests.
Data indicates that 2026 could be the worst harvest on record as farmers have struggled to irrigate crops. Pumpkins, which are 90% water, need a lot of moisture to grow.
Guy Singh-Watson, founder of Riverford, noted that it is not surprising pumpkins are smaller after a hot, dry summer. Guy Barter, chief horticulturalist at the Royal Horticultural Society, added that pumpkins are on the small side unless heavily watered, which has been difficult to achieve.
Some suggestions for Halloween celebrations include using mini pumpkins or drawing faces on other vegetables instead of carving them.