Now that Halloween is near, and we are rolling into November, we realize that we have a bunch of fall decor and pumpkins adorning our porch steps and walkways if the bears haven’t dined on them. It would be nice to get some extra life out of the orange and white gourds, a warm and festive fall feel. Pumpkins are essentially just another produce, and believe it or not, they are considered a fruit, so they can rot easily.
Uncarved Pumpkins
Pumpkins will have dirt and bacteria, so wash your pumpkin thoroughly. Be gentle so that you do not gouge or damage it as that would make it more susceptible to rotting. You can wash your pumpkin using one of these cleaning solutions: a bleach solution of one part bleach to ten parts water, water and dish soap or peppermint Castile soap, or water and vinegar of one part vinegar to three parts water. Make sure to dry your pumpkin completely.
There are a couple of methods you can use to protect the exterior of your pumpkin: apply an acrylic liquid floor cleaner or floor wax, spray with an acrylic finish spray, or rub it with petroleum jelly. Keep your pumpkin cool by placing it where it will not be in direct sunlight or in the rain.
Carved Pumpkins
Once you carve your pumpkin it will rot much more quickly. you will be lucky if it lasts a week. To help it last as long as possible cut the hole in the back or the bottom. Pumpkins usually rot from the top to the bottom. Do your best and get out as much of the seeds as possible. Use a large metal spoon to help you scrape the sides. Dry the insides as much as you can. Use paper towels or even stuff your pumpkin full of newspaper to draw out the moisture. Once you have finished carving your pumpkin masterpiece, make sure to dry the exposed edges well. Then soak it in a bleach bath of 1 teaspoon bleach per gallon of water, or wash it thoroughly with a peppermint Castile soap solution. Let your pumpkin dry completely, then choose one of these options to keep it fresh: spray daily with a bleach or vinegar solution, spray daily with a pumpkin spray, spray with WD-40, rub with petroleum jelly.
Keeping it in the fridge at night will help to keep it from wilting and/or rotting. If your pumpkin starts to wilt let it soak overnight in cold water.
Any pumpkin that has been treated with bleach, sprays or oils should be thrown in the trash and not composted or left for forest animals.
Smaller gourds and pumpkins make wonderful indoor decorations perfect for a harvest-themed table, and they will last longer than your larger variety.
I hope these tips will help you enjoy your pumpkins as long as possible. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!