Tried and True Ways for Keeping Your Pumpkin from Rotting this Season

Halloween will be here before we know it. How is it already almost the end of summer? Whether we like it or not, it is time to start thinking about pumpkins. The thrill of finding the perfect pumpkin and picking the perfect thing to carve into it is always fun. My kids are always so excited to carve their pumpkins but, carving them too early can cause them to rot before Halloween even comes. Here are some tried and true ways to preserve your pumpkin:

Bleach

Once your pumpkin is carved, you can submerge your pumpkin in a bleach water mixture. Take one teaspoon bleach to one gallon of water. Let your pumpkin soak for one hour. Then, dry upside down.

Silica Packet

Placing an open silica packet inside the pumpkin will help to eliminate extra moisture, keeping your pumpkin in good shape for a bit longer.

WD-40

Many people have also had luck with spraying their carved pumpkins with WD-40 to preserve them as well.

Pumpkin Spray

Pumpkin spray is formulated specifically to keep the mold spores and other bacteria from getting the best of your pumpkin. It can be ordered online. Some pumpkin patches also carry the spray (One is called Pumpkin Fresh).

Shade

When putting your pumpkins out for everyone to see, try to place them in a mostly shaded spot. The heat of the sun will speed up the decaying process. Plus, sunny spots tend to be dryer which will also help to dry out the pumpkin causing it to decay faster.

Bonus Tip: Try storing your pumpkins in a fridge or draping a damp cloth over them.

While all these tips are pretty helpful in preserving those precious pumpkins, remember that the weather in your area also plays a large role in how well they hold up. If you try any of these please let us know how they worked for you.