Here’s how to make your pumpkins picture perfect for keeping away spooky unwanted guests from your front porch.
- It starts with selecting the right pumpkin. Try to select pumpkins that are uniformly shaped without any obvious soft spots. Also, size does matter. Larger pumpkins often have thicker shells, which is great if you’re interested in elaborate, 3-D designs that require depth to your carving. On the other hand, if you wish to carve more traditionally, pumpkins with smaller and thinner shells are the way to go.
- Consider how long your pumpkin will last. If you keep uncarved pumpkins out of the hot sun or protected from a hard freeze, they should last between two to three months. However, outdoor carved pumpkins might last only a few days due to decay or critter visitors at night. Consider your timing for Halloween night.
- You can make your pumpkins last longer by following a few simple steps. When you first bring home your pumpkin, wash off any obvious dirt, then wipe down the outside with a diluted bleach solution (1 Tbsp bleach /1 gallon water) and allow to dry. This will remove any microbes that have accumulated on the pumpkin’s shell. As you carve your pumpkin, make sure to remove every bit of pulp to detract insects, bacteria, and backyard animals (and don’t forget to use the pulp and seeds for yummy snacks or pie). Once you’re done, do a final diluted bleach wipe down to finish your creation. As an added touch, I always spread a light layer of petroleum jelly on my jack-o’-lantern to help retain moisture and prevent shriveling. I find this last step usually keeps carved pumpkins looking good for another day or two – as long as I keep them out of the sun or away from frosty areas.
- What to do with your pumpkins after Halloween? I scatter my spent pumpkin(s) throughout my backyard garden beds as a special treat for the deer, squirrels, and racoons. Even the biggest pumpkin is usually eaten within 2-3 days, and what is left makes for a wonderful compost soil amendment for next spring’s planting.
Happy Halloween
