Follow These Easy Tips To Make That Pumpkin Last Longer

The calendar says fall is here, but the summer-like temperatures still have a grip on East Texas. Over time though things will cool off and we'll be breaking out the light jackets and sweatshirts as temperatures cool and the leaves on the trees begin to change color. Beautiful hues of yellow, orange, and red will replace the green leaves which will soon fall off in the fall breeze.

When it comes to decorating for Fall, many East Texans go all out with pumpkin arrangements on their front porch. Those porches will be filled with bales of straw, scarecrows, pumpkins, and other fall decorations.

As Halloween draws closer those pumpkins will be carved into jack-o-lanterns and greet the many kids that will be ringing the doorbell saying, 'Trick or treat'!

Pumpkin patches have sprouted up throughout East Texas and they are stocked with all shapes and sizes of pumpkins for your fall decor. The question many East Texans want to know is, how long will that pumpkin last in my display?

There are a number of factors that will affect the life of your pumpkin.

• freshness
• weather
• rain
• sunlight
• humidity
• pests

Freshness

When selecting a pumpkin look for one with firm skin with no visible signs of damage or rot.

Weather

Extreme heat and cold can affect its lifespan. Heat will make them deteriorate quicker while cold will make them mushy.

Rain

Rain will speed up the decay of a pumpkin. Make sure it's sheltered from any precipitation.

Sunlight

Direct sunlight will fade the pumpkin over time and age them faster.

Humidity

Make sure it's well ventilated as humidity will promote growth like mold.

Pest Prevention

Squirrels, rabbits, and insects love to nibble on pumpkins.

Once your display is set up you'll want to regularly inspect your pumpkins for signs of soft spots, mold, rot, or animal nibbles. Removing any affected areas will prolong the life of your pumpkins.

Now when it comes to prolonging the life of your uncarved pumpkin, Women's Day offers these suggestions...

• You can soak your pumpkin in a vinegar bath for 20 to 20 minutes
• Spay the surface of the pumpkin with WD-40
• Cover the surface with a layer of petroleum jelly

These tips won't make that pumpkin last forever, but they will help it stay and look fresh longer for up to 10 more days than if left untreated according to the article.

When it gets closer to Halloween and you want to carve a pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern, there are even more tips for you to help preserve that carving job of yours!

10 East Texas Pumpkin Patches To Find The Best Pumpkin

When it comes to finding the perfect pumpkin for your Fall display or to become your Halloween jack-o-lantern, you'll find one at these East Texas pumpkin patches.

Gallery Credit: Lucky Larry, Mix 93-1

This is What you Should be This Halloween Based on Your Zodiac

Can't decide what you want to be this Halloween? I asked AI what people should be based on their Zodiac and this is what it said:

Texas Based Halloween Costume Ideas

If you're not sure of a costume idea here are 10 ideas connect to the great state of Texas.

Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins

Top 10 Biggest Employers in Tyler, Texas (2024 Edition)

Here is a look at some of the big companies that are employing lots of people in East Texas and specifically, Tyler, Texas.

Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins

10 Biggest Employers in Longview, Texas Right Now

Here is a look at the companies putting lots of people to work in the Longview, Texas area.

Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins