Spina Pumpkin Patch: Serving up Lots of Smiles

By Julie Morris
Agricultural Liaison

You know what they say: “Do it for the ‘gram!” Instagram, that is. Santa Clara County’s own Spina Pumpkin Patch is set to open for its 79^th year this September and will be the backdrop for countless social media posts. The farm’s picturesque pumpkin fields provide the perfect opportunity to welcome the fall season and celebrate the local harvest.

“Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch is a much-loved tradition in the Bay Area,” said Julie Morris, the agricultural liaison with the UC Cooperative Extension in San Clara County. “Thousands of visitors flock to the Morgan Hill event to search for the perfect pumpkin, take a ride on a miniature train, and blast a pumpkin out of their famous Pumpkin Blasters. It’s an unforgettable experience unique to Santa Clara County.” 

The patch is located near the Baily Avenue exit on Highway 101 and is open seven days a week beginning September 25 – October 31. Hours vary depending on the day but range from 8 AM to 9 PM. Activities include a hay rides, a corn maze, new “cow” train ride, U-pick pumpkin patch, face painting, and food booths. The farm is operated by Gary Tognetti of B&T Farms. They lease the 20-acre farm from the Open Space Authority helping to keep the land in agricultural production providing bird habitat, farming activity and open space. The property is part of the Coyote Valley, which has been designated a “Climate Change Overlay Zone” by the county in recognition of the important benefits it provides the community including agriculture, wildlife habitat, recreation, and flood control.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the pumpkin patch provides a robust boost to the county’s growing agritourism industry. Last year, an estimated 30,000 visitors attended the event bringing in sales tax revenue to the county and income to the farmers, food vendors, and employees at the pumpkin patch. For more information and specific hours, please visit https://spinafarmspumpkinpatch.com/about/