How to get your pumpkins to last as long as possible this fall

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – It’s that awkward time of year between summer and fall when the mornings are cool and crisp, but the afternoons can be hot and humid. The calendar technically still says summer, but you are ready for all things fall.

Cue the pumpkins and other fall decorations.

The pumpkins come in so many shapes, sizes and colors from white to orange to green and speckled in between. If you’re getting your pumpkins now, Jeff Wallitsch of Wallitsch Gardens has some tips to get your pumpkins to last as long as possible.

1. Make sure the pumpkin is solid.

“Look for the soft spots on there. Make sure there are no blisters or anything that looks like it can rot a little quicker,” Wallitsch said.

2. Clean and dry

“And then as soon as you get your pumpkins, take them home and give them a really good wash. Get a little bit of soap and water, clean them up or spray them off, dry them really well.”

3. Lemon and bleach can preserve

“Also I heard using lemon juice. If you wipe that on there, it helps preserve it a little bit too. And even a very small amount of bleach water can help them last a little longer.”

4. Place on dry surface

“Make sure when you’re doing your pumpkins, that you have them on something that’s more dry land, like not necessarily like a mulch bed or potting soil,” Wallitsch said. “That way it's not going to make it rot quicker.”

Now you’re ready to arrange and decorate.

“Have fun while you're doing it! We love doing pumpkin stacks. Those are a favorite. We call those the Cinderella pumpkins or the flat pumpkins. They're more of the heirloom variety ... unique colors, unique shapes,” Wallitsch said.

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