When you get your pumpkin home, take a few minutes to prepare it. Don’t just set it on the porch and forget about it. A little effort now means a much longer-lasting pumpkin.
Wash it. Give your pumpkin a good rinse to remove any dirt, especially around the stem and in the creases.
Dry it completely. This is important. A wet pumpkin will speed up rotting. And if you’re carving soon, water will cause your Sharpie to stop working. Pat it down with paper towels and let it air dry fully before you start.
If you’re not carving right away, store it somewhere cool, dry, and dark. A garage, a covered patio, or under a table outdoors is ideal. Avoid storing it indoors in the heat, in direct sunlight, or anywhere it might sit in rainwater. Any of those conditions will shorten its life significantly.
For extra protection before storing, lightly spritz your pumpkin with a bleach and water solution, paying special attention around the stem. That’s where rot tends to start first.
Free download
Get The Ultimate Book on Pumpkin Carving — free
64 chapters covering every technique, every tool, and all nine carving styles. Written by someone who has carved pumpkin portraits for over 30 years and taught 500+ kids. Illustrated with real carvings by the author and his students.
Get the free book →Free to download. Works on iPhone, iPad, Android, and computer.