Posted by R. Berg on November 15, 2002
In Reply to: Frost on the Pumpkin? posted by Robert on November 14, 2002
: I've often been puzzled by the phrase "When the frost is on the pumpkin..." and wondered where it originated. I assume it refers to the cycle of autumn turning into winter and the need to prepare for the approaching cold weather, but was it coined by a particular author or poet?
James Whitcomb Riley, poet. A little information is at the link below (http://www.educatetheusa.com/indiana/riley.html). I haven't been able to find the text of the poem on-line.