New Jersey”s Ultimate Guide to Pumpkin Carving and Preservation

You wander around for the longest time, checking every shape, color, and size in search of the one. It's the hunt for the perfect pumpkin, and there are so many amazing farms throughout New Jersey to find just the perfect one to take home!

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And now that you've found it, it's time to carve it into something amazing, but you want it to last long, well after Halloween.

Tips To Make Your Carved Pumpkin Last All Season Long

Keeping carved pumpkins from rotting quickly can be tricky, but there are some tricks that can certainly help!

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According to Real Simple, experts shared some simple tricks to help make your pumpkin last as long as possible!

Keep Your Jack-o'-lantern Fresh With These Expert Tips

Pick Quality Pumpkins 

"A pumpkin with healthy skin and no soft spots is far less likely to rot early."

Clean Before Carving

Use "mild soap and water to remove dirt and bacteria."

Soak With a Disinfectant After Carving

"Every carved pumpkin benefits from a disinfecting step, and you can either spray or soak the gourd to get the job done."

Seal the Edges With Petroleum Jelly

“Seal the carved edges with a thin layer of petroleum jelly or vegetable oil.” 

Spray With a Protectant

“Once dry, we spray them with an organic protectant called Wilt Prof that we also use on our holiday wreaths.”

Avoid Candles

"Though pumpkins are traditionally lit with candles, heat is one of the fastest ways to shorten a pumpkin’s lifespan."

Keep Pumpkins Out of Direct Sunlight

"Cooler air slows down decay and keeps your jack-o’-lantern looking porch-ready for longer."

Bring Inside During the Day or During a Frost

"Make an effort to display them in an area that is somewhat protected."