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

Bluebird of Happiness Imagine a spring morning, sun dappling a vibrant tapestry of blooms. Among them, a majestic iris rises, its velvety petals adorned in a rich, light blue, reminiscent...

January 13, 2024

Celestial Bloom Unfolding: A Closer Look at Afterlife’s Morphology Standing tall with an air of celestial charm, ‘Afterlife’ iris (TbAthruE) captivates gardeners with its velvety blooms in shades of ethereal...

January 14, 2024

Dive into a Feathery Fluff of Charm! Imagine a tiny island in a sun-drenched pond, a miniature paradise where fluffy ducklings waddle and giggle. That’s the playful spirit Iris ‘Baby...

January 14, 2024

A Dance of Purple and Gold: Unveiling the Enchanting Barbados Bearded Iris Imagine the sun setting over a sapphire sea, casting ripples of violet, amethyst, and bronze across the waves....

January 14, 2024

Browse Our Plants

You know that feeling when you step outside and take a deep breath? You feel different right away. Calmer. Lighter. Happier. That shift is real. Being outside, whether it’s on...

February 26, 2026

Some of the best school memories happen outside. Think sunshine, dirt under fingernails, and room to run. While classroom lessons have their place, kids often learn more when they use...

February 20, 2026

You might expect dirt, a cow or two, and some pumpkins. But a first visit to a local farm, especially Howell’s, brings more. It’s fresh air, simple fun, and time...

February 13, 2026

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