Growing Pumpkins in Stem, NC (Zone 8a)
Here at Myth & Oak Farm, autumn isn't just a season—it’s a full-scale farming event. Located right here in Stem, North Carolina (USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a), our long, warm growing season gives us the perfect environment to cultivate a sprawling pumpkin patch.
While everyone loves a classic jack-o'-lantern, we grow pumpkins for a much bigger reason: they are an absolute powerhouse crop for our rescue animals, our kitchen, and our soil. If you're looking to grow something rewarding, functional, and deeply satisfying in your own backyard, pumpkins belong at the top of your list.
A Favorite Fall Treat for Our Rescue Animals
One of our absolute favorite things about harvest time is seeing the sheer joy pumpkins bring to our rescue animals.
Pigs Go Wild for Pumpkin: If you’ve never watched a rescued farm pig go to town on a fresh pumpkin, you’re missing out. They love crunching right through the thick outer shell and sweet flesh. It provides fantastic environmental enrichment and a nutritious snack.
Natural Fiber for Dogs: Beyond the barnyard, pure, unseasoned pumpkin puree is a staple for our rescue dogs. The natural blend of soluble and insoluble fiber helps soothe sensitive stomachs, regulates digestion, and makes a great addition to their daily bowls. (Just remember: always feed plain pumpkin—never pie filling loaded with sugar and spices!)
How We Cook Up Our Harvest: Farm-to-Table Pumpkin Recipes
When the animals have had their fill, we bring the harvest straight into our farmhouse kitchen. Here are a few ways we love cooking up our homegrown pumpkins:
Silky Roasted Pumpkin Soup: We chop our sugar pumpkins, toss them in olive oil, and roast them until caramelized. Blended with garlic, vegetable broth, and a splash of cream, it makes the ultimate cozy autumn soup.
Savory Herb Roasting: Cubed pumpkin tossed with rosemary, sea salt, and olive oil roasts into a savory side dish that pairs wonderfully with farm-fresh meals.
Fresh Homemade Puree: We steam and blend large batches of pumpkin flesh to freeze for year-round baking—perfect for breads, muffins, and pancakes that beat store-bought canned pumpkin every single time.
Roasted Pepitas: Nothing goes to waste! We rinse, season, and toast the pumpkin seeds for a crunchy, nutrient-dense snack packed with healthy fats and magnesium.
Whether you're starting a patch in the town of Stem, NC, or just looking for a versatile homestead crop, growing pumpkins brings endless rewards from the pasture to the plate.
