With fall in full swing and Halloween fast approaching, pumpkins are flying off the shelves of grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and home goods stores across the country. The unfortunate reality, however, is that many of these gourds might not even make it to the big day! While you can’t entirely keep a jack-o-lantern from rotting eventually, there are a few simple steps you can take to slow down the process. That way, your front porch decor will look as stellar on October 31 as it does today.
Pick the Right Pumpkin
Before you get to cutting, you’ll want to find the perfect canvas (Martha Stewart, 2021). Expert carvers typically look for fairly large, smooth, and symmetrical pumpkins, but knots, warts and other imperfections can add character as well. You can also incorporate oblong or squatter squashes depending on your space and design needs.
Regardless of your taste, an underripe pumpkin will likely last longer than one past its prime. Look for a firmer rind and paler color while avoiding bright orange or soft and squishy skin.
Hollow it Out
Once you’ve brought the perfect pumpkin home from the patch, it’s time to carve. Cut a hole in the top or bottom and start scooping. You’ll want to get as many of the innards and seeds out as possible, as their residue can actually invite mold and bacteria. The interior of the jack-o-lantern should be as clean and dry as possible. Then, let your creative side shine and carve to your heart’s content!
Make a Solution
Once your jack-o-lantern is fully formed, you’ll want to apply a solution to the cuts in order to slow any rotting (Farmers’ Almanac, 2020). Popular choices among homeowners include:
- Bleach and water
- Peppermint Castille soap and water
- Hairspray
Any of the above can kill bacteria and mold while extending the life of your masterpiece. You can either apply with a spray bottle or submerge and soak the pumpkin overnight!
Create a Seal
If you want to go the extra mile, you can also apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or a similar substance to the inside and any cut portions of the pumpkin. These thick materials can act as a physical barrier, keeping the moisture in and the rot out. At this point, your jack-o-lantern is ready to make its debut! Find a candle or other light source and position the pumpkin as needed.
Bonus: Store it in the Fridge
To further extend the life of your festive decor, you can then bring pumpkins indoors and store them in the fridge overnight. This helps slow any decomposition while keeping the jack-o-lantern away from bugs and other hungry critters. Simply cover with plastic wrap or a trash bag and make some space on the fridge shelves!
All in all, the centerpiece of your festive decor doesn’t have to wither away before its prime. With the perfect pumpkin, a strong scooping strategy and some careful tending to the carved parts, your jack-o-lanterns are sure to give the neighbors pumpkin to talk about this fall.
Published on October 11, 2021
