A PUMPKIN revolution is about to break out at a farm near Athelstaneford.

Russell and Lucy Calder are getting ready to welcome visitors back to pick a pumpkin on The Patch at Kilduff Farm.

Together with traditional Hallowe’en pumpkins, they are also growing specific culinary varieties.

Lucy said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming new and familiar faces back to the The Patch at Kilduff this year, allowing them to enjoy wholesome family fun on our farm.

“Picking your own pumpkin ahead of Hallowe’en is not only a great day out but it’s also an opportunity to connect with nature and really learn and understand where our food comes from – something we are really passionate about.

“After all, pumpkins are not just for creating ghoulish doorstep decorations but are versatile, nutritious and delicious, whether grated, mashed, baked or roasted.

“The possibilities are endless and incredibly tasty.”

Last year, it was estimated eight million pumpkins, the equivalent of 18,000 tonnes of edible pumpkin flesh, were binned.

The couple were keen to avoid that and have reached out to chefs, foodies and people cooking at home to encourage more people to cook and eat pumpkins.

Last year, the dedicated culinary pumpkin patch was a huge hit, with several different varieties successfully grown, including Tractor, Kabocha, Jill Be Little, Festival and Crown Prince.

Lucy added: “This year, visitors can pick from over 6,000 pumpkins grown from seed by Russell and me and our three children.

“It certainly added a different slant to home schooling during lockdown.”

The Patch opens today (Friday) and, due to Covid-19 restrictions, visitors must book at kilduff.co.uk/patch