Pumpkins, whether you carve them or set them on stairs or a porch, are a great fall decoration. Here’s how to make them last their longest.
How To Choose That “Just Right” Pumpkin
When you pick out a pumpkin, make sure there are no cuts or gouges in it. These may have already exposed the inside to drying out. If you plan on carving your pumpkin, wait until as late as possible to avoid exposing the inside to the air.
Take Care of Your Chosen Pumpkin Before Carving
If possible, find a spot to set your pumpkin in the shade to keep the sun from drying it out. If it is in a spot where it can get rained on, go out after the rain and blot the water off or set the pumpkin where it is protected from the rain.
About once a week, spray the outside of your pumpkin with one tablespoon of bleach and one gallon of water. This helps kill any bacteria that may have started to grow, particularly on cut pumpkins.
Let’s Operate!
When you cut your pumpkin, ensure the inside is entirely guts-free. Let the cavity dry out overnight before carving. Excess moisture in your pumpkin, paired with even more exposure from the carving, can make it rot faster.
Believe it or not, when you do carve, you can dab a little petroleum jelly on the cut surfaces to help keep them from drying out and shriveling around the edges. If you don’t have petroleum jelly, you can use olive oil.
Last, because candle use can dry out a pumpkin and lead to faster decay, it’s best to use a battery-operated light instead.
From Halloween to Christmas
My pumpkins usually last until after Christmas. After Thanksgiving, I don’t throw them away. I put Santa hats on them!
Enjoy The Halloween Spirit!
Have fun, and get a pumpkin! If you have kids, let them help you. They’ll love it, and your neighbors will appreciate you getting into the Halloween spirit.