Where to Pick Pumpkins on San Juan Island

Halloween is just around the corner and islanders may be wondering where they can get a quintessential pumpkin picking experience.

While there are many pumpkins located at Kings Market and Friday Harbor Marketplace, the only hands-on pumpkin picking can be found at Federico Farms.

“The joy that pumpkins bring to everyone is absolutely priceless,” said Crystal Federico.

Federico Farms got its start selling pumpkins at the Saturday Farmers Market. Eventually Connie and Guard Sundstrom, who had been selling pumpkins to the community for 17 years, approached Federico and asked if she could take the reins on being the island’s pumpkin-supplier.

Federico said she saw what joy the Sundstroms’ pumpkins brought to the community, so when she was asked, her reply was “YES!”

“The next year my family and I planted over a thousand pumpkin plants, twenty different varieties,” Federico said. “That was a lot from what we were used to, but with the aid of Connie and her knowledge over the last 17 years she quickly guided us in the right direction from growing maintenance to storage and to pricing.”

The Sundstroms continue to grow pumpkins, but more so for their friends and family.

Federico said that each year of pumpkin-growing is a bit different than the last. They never know what to expect, including the heat wave during the summer of 2021, which created some hurdles.

“Although this year has proven to be the most challenging year of all with the hot weather, lots of watering while being mindful of the usage, to some crop loss, we have still been able to provide enough pumpkins for everyone to enjoy,” she said.

They produced over 4,000 pounds of Jack O’ Lantern pumpkins alone. Along with pumpkins, they also have a photobooth available, goodie bags for every child that walks in, fresh flower bouquets, fresh vegetables and fruit, local meats, a variety of microgreens and hand-crafted biscotti with a gluten-free option.

“We feel people should have a relationship with their food and believe in transparent farming practices that respect and protect the environment and our natural resources,” Federico said.

To go along with protecting the environment, Federico Farms also offers composting year-round. Customers can purchase a compost container for $15 or bring in a compost container of their own and the rest is free. The same goes for pumpkins: islanders can bring their old pumpkins back to the farm after they are done with them

“There is something magical about the sight of pumpkins, whether you are young or old, happy or sad,” Federico said. “Everyone loves pumpkins!”