Use these helpful tips to find out how to make your pumpkins last until Halloween!
It’s fun to have Halloween decorations up early and make the most of the season, but pumpkins bought early in the month can sometimes rot before Halloween. Soggy pumpkins are just NOT fun!
We want our pumpkins to last longer! If you want to know how to make your pumpkins last until Halloween, there are a few simple tips to help.
While artificial foam or plastic pumpkins are always an option, they just aren’t the same as the real thing and they don’t look as pretty on your front porch either.
We personally love the fun of going to the pumpkin patch and picking out our own pumpkins. After that picking effort we want them to be around for a while.
Whether you choose your pumpkins from the grocery store, the farmer’s market or at the pumpkin patch itself, these helpful tips should keep them looking good and make them last quite a bit longer.
How to Make Your Pumpkin Last Until Halloween
1. Do NOT set your pumpkin directly on your cement front steps. Place a piece of cardboard between your pumpkins and the cement.
2. Keep your pumpkin out of direct sunlight if possible. Avoiding the sun will make it last longer.
3. If your temperatures will be dipping below freezing, take your pumpkins inside for the night. Freezing pumpkins is NOT a good idea.
4. Traditionally we always cut off the top of the pumpkin (around the stem) and scoop out the “innards” that way. BUT, the stem actually sends nutrients to the pumpkin even after it’s cut. For a better option, cut a hole in the back of the pumpkin and scoop it out from there.
5. The heat of a candle can also make your pumpkin deteriorate faster. A better option is a battery operated tea light, small flashlight or LED light.
6. If you want to get even more involved, the key to preventing mold is to remove as much bacteria as possible. Rinse the inside (if it’s carved into a jack-o-lantern) and outside of your pumpkin with a bleach/water solution (1 Tbsp bleach to a quart of water).
Then to seal in moisture to prevent the pumpkin from drying out too quickly and to seal out new bacteria, smear all of the cut surfaces with petroleum jelly.
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vickie couturier says
good tips thanks,,I like to turn my carved pumpkin backwards after Halloween so it can be enjoyed thru thanksgiving too
Chrysa says
I do the same thing Vickie! I do it with the “fake” pumpkins too – just turn it around.
Maria Iemma says
Wow, after all this year I learned something new. I always put my pumpkins on the cement steps. I will make sure to put some cardboard underneath. Thanks!
Cathy Shaw says
Last year, I set out a bowl of beautiful decorative gourds and they got moldy all right! Next time I’ll whip out the bleach and the Vaseline!
Jasmine P says
Wow, these are some great tips! We always end up doing them too early and they get all yucky.
Lorayne Gothard says
I could have really used these tips this year!! Tank you for the tips, I will use them next year !!
Elizabeth Lund says
Oh, good idea. This reminds me that we have some pumpkins sitting on the cement in our garage. I better remedy that! Great tips. Thank you!
chanelle says
We always wait until almost Halloween so our pumpkins won’t rot. Thanks for these tips so we can enjoy our pumpkins a little longer!
Cassie says
I know now what to do with my pumpkin this year. Thanks..
Pamela Monroe says
Thank you. When should I carve the pumpkin and set it out? Will the cardboard work on wood two by fours also?
shelly peterson says
These are some really great tips. Thanks for sharing.
SAIT MESUTCAN ILHANER says
Great tips, thanks!
Janet W. says
I never thought about putting our pumpkin on cardboard instead of directly on the cement. Makes total sense!
Dorothy Boucher says
WOW! thanks so much for sharing this, I always wondered why my pumpkins would start to die on me when I have them
on my front and back porch, never thought to put a cardboard.
@tisonlyme143
Bernie Wallace says
I usually don’t buy pumpkins because they don’t last. I might have to try buying them again and use these tips.
Andrea Marie says
Thanks a bunch for the amazing tips love reading your blog??
Beth Anne says
Great ideas thanks for the amazing article?