While most leaves don't change color in the Bay Area—well, there are a few spots—one sign that autumn has come is the arrival of pumpkins patches. Local, non-Whole-Foods options for picking out a seasonal gourd run aplenty, from urban patches in SF’s Sunset District to a sprawling organic East Bay farm.

Nearly each patch comes with a selection of entertainment options, from haunted houses and face painting to mazes and country music.

But before you check out our map of the 11 best places to pick a pumpkin around San Francisco and the Bay Area, here are a few things you need to look for while perusing the vegetables cum October home accents.

According to Martha Stewart, you should always check the coloring of the pumpkin (“make sure it’s a good color, and what you want is a deeper orange”); look for holes, wounds or scabs on the pumpkin (“check for soft spots, feel around the pumpkin with your hands and press across the skin of the pumpkin with your fingers”); and—why not?—go for an odd-looking one (“so-called warty pumpkins have been really popular during Halloween because they make great faces for goblins or witches”).

Excellent intel. And be warned—going against Martha Stewart’s expertise would make for a truly scary Halloween.

Did we miss a good patch? Let us know and we'll add it.