On the Farm: Pumpkin Patch, Squash and Fall Festival

When we heard Crossroads Farms at Grossmann's now has a pumpkin "patch" they had our attention.

We took our weekly trip to the farm today and saw dozens of bright orange pumpkins scattered in the field, just ready to be picked. (And if you haven't heard, pumpkins are in short supply in the Northeast this season so get yours while you still can.)

In addition to pumpkins, Crossroads, Nassau County's very own farm situated in Malverne, also has plenty of gourds on sale this week and other fall produce for both eating and decorating. There's acorn, butternut and honeynut squash, all organic and grown in Malverne, Indian corn and ornamental peppers. Next door in the hoop house are plenty of mums and other fall plants to add a seasonal look to your front porch.

When it comes to fall favorites you can't forget apples and Crossroads certainly has not. The stand is stocked up with several varieties delivered from Wickhams Fruit Farm, along with some pears.

If you're looking for organic produce grown right here in Malverne, this week there's plenty of onions, eggplant, rainbow chard, fennel, string beans, black-eyed peas, lettuce, beets, peppers, radish, zuchinni, squash, garlic and turnips.

In the fridge you'll find a number of treats including apple cider and pies (apple, pecan, cherry, blueberry and more) from Jericho Cider Mill, cow cheese from Mecox Bay in Bridgehampton, goat cheese from Catapano Dairy in Peconic and free-range eggs from Armstrong Farm in Lattington.

FALL FESTIVAL

Make sure to mark your calendars for Oct. 23, when Malverne will be holding its Fall Festival. In addition to the activities taking place in the center of town that day, Crossroads Farm will have pumpkin picking, hay rides, live music, corn roasting, garlic planting, games, sheep sheering demonstrations, antique fire trucks, fashioned push-pull engines and more. The fun will take place between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.