Pavement Pumpkin Patch: Woman Grows Gourds On The Sidewalk In Hoboken

HOBOKEN, NJ — Hoboken is a densely populated city that's only a mile square in area, and it doesn't leave much space for private gardens. But one lifelong resident has been bringing joy to her corner of pavement with a pumpkin patch in the middle of a sidewalk.

Adele Sanchez and her family are growing the "Great Pumpkin Patch" on 12th Street, not far from a gas station and a county road (Willow Avenue).

Sanchez said that she began the project last year, placing gourds and pumpkins in the patch rather than growing them there. Then, cold weather arrived.

"After the first frost, they were rotted and pretty heavy, so we decided to make compost and buried them in that spot," Sanchez told Patch. "To our surprise, the gourds grew."

This year's patch, she said, has "been a joy for my family as well as many neighbors who have stopped by and mentioned it. I was even told by a neighbor that she sent a picture to her parents, who are farmers in Hungary."

Delphine Arthur, an interior designer who runs Delphine Interiors on the corner of 12th Street and Park Avenue, near the patch, said, "It’s such a unique feature within the city! It really gives a distinctive festive look and feel to the street. I’ve had several clients notice and ask us about it. I’m sure it will provide great fun for the children in the neighborhood."

Alas, the recent rains — particularly from Tropical Storm Ian — have damaged some of the garden. Sanchez said it was vulnerable anyway.

"I believe it had a 'powdery mildew' or perhaps something to do with the red lantern flies," she said. "I treat it with organic peppermint, vinegar, soap, and baking soda, but to no avail. Nonetheless, they [the gourds] were a surprise to a all of us."

Everything's a learning experience, so the patch will be great-er next year.

"It was such a treat that we are planning to grow a pumpkin patch this upcoming year and make it a tradition," she said.

Sanchez's garden is only one of many fall decorations and celebrations sprouting in Hoboken, where people celebrate Halloween with more and more fervor each year. Check out last year's best decorations here: Best Hoboken Halloween Decor: Funny, Scary, Even Political

Where can you find patches, pumpkins, and farms to visit around North Jersey? Check out our list: Where To Pick A Pumpkin Near Hoboken