Howell's Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch logo with underline, representing family-friendly outdoor activities and nature engagement.

Hours of
Operation

Spring, Summer, & Winter: 10am – 5pm
September – October: 10am – 6pm

Howell’s Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch Blog: Farm Tips & Seasonal Fun

Welcome to the Howell’s Greenhouse & Pumpkin Patch Farm Blog! We are excited to share insights into life on the farm, upcoming events, as well as tips and tidbits about how you can get the most from your purchases at Howell’s!

Come experience the tranquility of yoga alongside our goats or admire the beauty of nature at our Flower Festival. Let us share our love for farming and nature through our blog and visit in person at any of our many farm events! See you soon! 

HOwell's Farm History

A good pumpkin should last long enough to enjoy the season, not soften before Halloween arrives. Whether you are carving jack-o’-lanterns, baking pies, or building a porch display, freshness matters....

Post See Transcript Key Takeaways Choose the pumpkin based on how you plan to use it: carving, cooking, or decorating. A green, attached stem is one of the best signs...

Post See Transcript Key Takeaways Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch offers a complete fall experience for families near Des Moines. Attractions include pumpkin patches, corn mazes, flower fields, playgrounds, and...

For years, family entertainment revolved around movie theaters, malls, arcades, and indoor attractions. Today, more families are choosing outdoor experiences that feel meaningful, memorable, and connected to real life. Across...

Explore Our Irises

The Charm of Iris ‘Careless Whisper’: A Soft Symphony for Your Garden Forget the loud, flashy showstoppers of the iris world. Iris ‘Careless Whisper’ is a gentle ballad, a whispered...

January 15, 2024

‘Certain Magic’: A Matter-of-Fact Guide Forget dramatic pronouncements and celestial metaphors. Let’s delve into the factual essence of Iris ‘Certain Magic’, a bearded iris cultivar with undeniable charm and a...

January 15, 2024

Change of Pace: Facts of This Vibrant Bearded Iris Don’t settle for predictable blooms – embrace the unexpected with Iris ‘Change of Pace’, a bearded iris that lives up to...

January 15, 2024

Charismatic Charmer: Unveiling the Facts of Iris ‘Charismatic’ Iris ‘Charismatic’ isn’t just a name, it’s a promise. This bearded iris cultivar explodes with vibrant personality, captivating the eye with its...

January 15, 2024

Browse Our Plants

Post See Transcript Key Takeaways The ideal visiting window is mid-September to mid-October Late September to early October offers the best combination of weather and scenery Weekdays provide a quieter,...

April 24, 2026

There’s something special about fall in the Midwest. The air cools, leaves start to glow, and families begin searching for the best fall activities Des Moines has to offer. Among...

April 24, 2026

Post See Transcript Key Takeaways Howell’s Pumpkin Patch dates back to a family farm established in 1878 The farm adapted during the 1980s by experimenting with alternative crops A small...

April 16, 2026

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