How to Preserve Your Pumpkins for Halloween

What’s Halloween without a carved pumpkin? For those who like to start the tradition of carving a pumpkin before All Hallows’ Eve, we’ve got the right tips and tricks to help keep your carved pumpkin fresh. Simply follow these steps and you’ll have your Jack O’Lantern lasting longer than ever or at least until Halloween:

1. Wipe the exterior surface with a damp cloth to remove all dirt before carving.
2. Mold and dehydration are the main causes of pumpkin rotting. Cover the carved areas and interior of the pumpkin with petroleum jelly. This will keep it from drying out.
3. You can also add a small amount of bleach to a spray bottle filled with water. Spray the pumpkin daily, which will fight the mold.
4. Keep the pumpkin out of direct sunlight and try to keep it as cool as possible.

Now that you know how to help your carved pumpkin last longer, share a picture of your finished masterpiece below!  And don’t forget to visit our Facebook page to enter our Pumpkin Decorating Contest starting this Friday.