Big Wave Dave’s Pumpkin Patch: Pumpkin harvest looking strong in Southern California

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Pumpkin harvest is looking strong statewide this year, and David Lidren of Big Wave Dave's Christmas Trees and Pumpkin Patch in Santa Barbara is pleased with this season's harvest.

"Pumpkins pretty good pretty strong. The pumpkins are big and colorful. Think we got a little bit of the rain which was nice and so far it seems to be pretty strong," said Dave.

For the past several years, the drought impacted fall harvests across California – but this year, the popular fall crop is looking healthier.

Dave said 2023 delivered just what he needed. He’s able to sell 100% of his crop straight from the farm. 

“It is just a combination of good weather, and not just a good yield on the pumpkins I think a little bit of rain, a little bit of drought enough heat It all plays a part," said Dave.

Visitors are thrilled by the increased number of pumpkins to choose from. 

"It’s pretty good because sometimes when people come to pumpkin patches there’s nothing left any more … this year I feel like everyone going to get the chance to get their own pumpkin. They’re a lot … I did not expect to see a lot of pumpkins here," said visitor Nadelin Martinez of Big Wave Dave's Christmas Trees and Pumpkin Patch.

“I like them because they’re cute and I like the color and the texture," said visitor Damien Leon of Big Wave Dave's Christmas Trees and Pumpkin Patch.

At the patch, visitors were walking around checking out the different pumpkin options.

"We’re going to draw a ninja turtle on it and put it out front so it scares the bad guys away," said visitor Dan Steayne of Big Wave Dave's Christmas Trees and Pumpkin Patch.

If you’re planning to get a pumpkin this season, Dave said, there's no need to hurry – there’s plenty to go around.