I found the cheapest Halloween pumpkins at Tesco, Asda, Morrisons Aldi and Lidl

As Halloween looms, families across the UK are getting ready for the annual tradition of pumpkin carving. In the run-up to the spooky celebration, many turn plain pumpkins into eerie decorations.

In recent years, the trend of visiting a pumpkin patch to hand-pick pumpkins has gained traction, especially on social media. However, this can quickly become a costly day out, leading many to seek out alternatives in the supermarket.

All major retailers are stockingpumpkins in a range of shapes, sizes, and colours. I went on a mission to find the best and most affordable options for those looking to make memories without denting their wallets.

I visited several local supermarkets, including Asda, Tesco, Morrisons, Aldi and Lidl. Unfortunately, there isn't a Sainsbury's nearby, so I checked online and found that they offer pumpkins from as little as £1.15 - with 'speciality' coloured pumpkins starting at £3.

Most stores provide different sizes, depending on how much room you have for these frightful Jack o' lanterns. Some had unique options that were slightly more expensive, but could significantly enhance a Halloween display, reports the Mirror.

Asda - cheapest 94p

My local Asda had a massive choice of pumpkins conveniently located right outside the front doors, with more stock inside. There was a variety of sizes to choose from, with smaller pumpkins priced at 94p and larger ones at £1.88.

Tesco - cheapest 75p

At my local shop, Tesco also had plenty of pumpkins in the heart of its Halloween aisle. Several different sizes were divided into separate bins, with most tagged at £1.75. Smaller ones designed for carving were priced at 75p.

Morrisons - cheapest £1

In my opinion, Morrisons is the best destination for anyone seeking a variety of shapes and sizes. The shop offered standard-sized pumpkins for £1, with some larger ones available from £2.50. However, one option really grabbed my attention.

If anyone was thinking about going big this Halloween with a colossal pumpkin carving project this year, my local Morrisons had piles of Giant Pumpkins for £7. I tried to lift one, and it was extremely heavy - you'd definitely need a trolley.

Aldi and Lidl - cheapest 69p (both)

The discount supermarkets did not disappoint with pricing. The Aldi I visited was filled with crates of pumpkins by the entrance and more by the checkout. Prices varied, depending on size, from 69p for medium pumpkins to £1.69 for large ones.

Online, Aldi also advertises a 'Giant' Pumpkin for £5.99, but I couldn't find these in stock. Meanwhile, my local Lidl must have been sold out or just restocking, as I only discovered a single pumpkin in the entire store.

It did have a price tag, though, showing Large pumpkins were £1.69 each. Instead of hunting for pumpkins, I ended up searching for the tags, which confirmed a medium version was, like Aldi, priced at 69p.

When is the best time to buy pumpkins for Halloween?

While it may seem a bit early, choosing your ideal Halloween pumpkin a few weeks before the holiday is likely the best way to avoid last-minute rushes and limited choices on the shelves. Uncut pumpkins can last for several months if stored correctly in a cool, dry, and dark place.

The key thing to bear in mind is that once carved, pumpkins will decay like any other fruit exposed to air. While this might contribute to the spooky Halloween look you're aiming for, it's best to wait until closer to Halloween to do the actual carving or you'll be stuck with a rotten pile.

Experts from YourHomeStyle suggest that three to five days before Halloween is the optimal time to get the most out of your pumpkin project, meaning families should not start any earlier than October 26.

The RSPCA also has some advice for making the most of the pumpkin 'guts'. A spokesperson said: "When offered safely off the ground in bird feeders, birds can enjoy freshly cut sections of pumpkin and seeds. Make sure to remove anything that isn't eaten quickly so it doesn't get mouldy or attract rodents."