Everyone knows Linus' Great Pumpkin is only a mirage, but the experts say even the real things are in short supply this fall.
Too much rain in some states and too little in others could mean fewer jack-o'-lanterns and pumpkin pies.
"Pumpkins have had a tough row to hoe," said Bill Whiteside of the University of Illinois.
He estimated that Illinois, a big-time pumpkin patch, might lose half its crop this season.
Charles E. Voigt, a vegetable specialist with the university, expects the shortage to drive prices up as much as 50% from the usual 15 or so cents a pound.
In California's Central Valley, grower Dan Van Groningen of Manteca, who raises about 350 acres of pumpkins, said his crop is down 25%.
"I think it's definitely going to bring the price up," he said. "We, of course, try to keep the price in line because we don't want to scare regular customers away."
A comforting Halloween thought.
