Tips on Pumpkin Carving and How to Make Your Creations Last
Keeping Your Pumpkins Fresh and Fun in Illinois Zone 5
Pumpkins are everywhere this time of year—on porches, in planters, and glowing on Halloween night. But if you’ve ever had your masterpiece collapse after only a day or two, you know the struggle. Here are a few expert tips to keep your pumpkin creations looking their best in our cool, often damp Illinois Zone 5 fall weather:
- Pick firm, heavy pumpkins with strong stems and no soft spots.
- Carve when it’s cool—our chilly nights help preserve them.
- Scoop thoroughly, scraping sides until only thin walls remain.
- Spray carved areas with a bleach or vinegar solution to slow mold.
- Seal edges with petroleum jelly to prevent shriveling.
- Bring them inside on frosty nights to avoid sudden collapse.
Fun idea: carve leaves, stars, or polka dots with a drill for a lantern effect. For kids, skip the knives—paint, markers, or stick-on shapes are safer and just as festive.
And don’t toss all that pumpkin—save some to make pumpkin bread.
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