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    Home » Home Decor

    How to Make Pumpkins Last Longer (for decoration or eating!)

    Published: Sep 23, 2021 by Christina Dennis · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · 5 Comments

    I love decorating with real pumpkins in the Fall... and eating them, too. They can be tricky to preserve, but over the years I've learned some helpful tricks on how to make pumpkins last longer. Here are all my tips & how I've decorated my front porch this autumn.

    Use these helpful tricks on how to make real pumpkins last longer, whether for decoration or for eating!

    This blog post is part of a seasonal blog hop. Make sure to check out all of the other Fall outdoor decor ideas from my blogging friends linked at the bottom of this post!

    Use these helpful tricks on how to make real pumpkins last longer, whether for decoration or for eating!

    In a similar fashion to last year, I hit up our local pumpkin farm and decorated our front porch with all of my favourite varieties. I love how the look on either side of our stairs with some Mums and lanterns sprinkled in.

    This time, I kept the look on the neutral side using only soft green and white pumpkins with white Mums and greenery. It's definitely a softer feeling without the orange, but I love how elegant and calm it looks.

    How to make pumpkins last longer

    Whenever I share pumpkins on my porch for Fall, people always ask me how to make them last longer without rotting. I've learned a lot from our local pumpkin farm, Somerset Farms, so here are all my favourite pumpkin tips!

    How to preserve with vinegar

    Washing your pumpkins with something that helps remove any bacteria will help make them last longer. Over the years I've used a bleach solution (1 tablespoon bleach per 4 cups water), but lately I've been using a vinegar solution (about 1:10 vinegar to water) to wash mine. This is a food-safe version because we've realized we LOVE to eat them after we use them as decor! I place my pumpkins in a tub of water and vinegar, give them a good scrub and let them air-dry.

    How to keep pumpkins fresh after picking

    After your pumpkins are washed, you can leave them out in the sun to cure. Curing will harden the exterior of the pumpkin and help the insides stay fresh! You'll know a pumpkin is cured when its stem looks nice and dry and its skin feels hard.

    How to keep them from rotting

    To prevent pumpkins from turning into a rotten pile of mush, ensure you're never putting them directly on concrete. It's too cold! That's why I like to prop mine up on little wooden rounds or cork trivets. You also need to take pumpkins indoors before it frosts or snows. You can store them in a cool place inside with lots of airflow, and stored this way some varieties will last several months!

    How to keep squirrels from eating pumpkins

    Luckily, we haven't had this problem with our pumpkins because or Fall season is so short, but you can try using hairspray on them to repel squirrels. For a more food-safe option, try spraying them periodically with vinegar.

    Make sure to check out these amazing posts!

    How to Decorate your home With Outdoor Fall Decor | My 100 Year Old Home

    Minimalist Fall Porch | Modern Glam

    Simple Outdoor Fall Table Decor Ideas | Twelve on Main

    Fall Mum Display Ideas for the Front Porch | Happy Happy Nester

    Decorating Steps with Pumpkins | Finding Lovely

    Fall Porch Decor in Subtle Autumn Colors | Maison de Cinq

    Fall Decorating on the Front Porch | Inspiration for Moms

    How to Make Pumpkins Last Longer (for decoration or eating!) | The DIY Mommy

    Modern Farmhouse Fall Front Porch Decor | The Happy Housie

    Would You Paint Your Door Pink for Fall? | Most Lovely Things

    Fall Front Door With Pumpkins and Mums | Life is Better at Home

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jeanne

      October 27, 2021 at 7:49 pm

      Love the vinegar wash. I will try that. And I think it's better for the environment than bleach.

      Reply

    Trackbacks

    1. Fall Decorating Ideas for Front Porch - Inspiration For Moms says:
      September 23, 2021 at 6:00 am

      […] How to Make Pumpkins Last Longer (for decoration or eating!) | The DIY Mommy […]

      Reply
    2. Simple Outdoor Fall Table Decor Ideas - Twelve On Main says:
      September 24, 2021 at 8:56 am

      […] How to Make Pumpkins Last Longer (for decoration or eating!) | The DIY Mommy […]

      Reply
    3. 7 FALL PORCH DECOR IDEAS FOR SPECTACULAR CURB APPEAL says:
      September 21, 2022 at 10:03 pm

      […] patch! I like to harvest them from our local pumpkin farm, wash them and cure them in the sun to make them last, and then display them on our porch stairs. If you have the space and the commitment to the look, a […]

      Reply
    4. Natural and Minimalist Fall Porch Decor - Modern Glam says:
      October 21, 2022 at 8:28 am

      […] How to Make Pumpkins Last Longer (for decoration or eating!) | The DIY Mommy […]

      Reply

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    Welcome!

    Christina Dennis, The DIY Mommy

    I'm Christina and I'm sharing budget-friendly DIY & decor ideas to create a cozy home and life you love!

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    Latest Posts

    • Learn how to find FREE vintage botanical art to print at home. This is a fantastic, budget-friendly wall art solution!
      How to find FREE vintage botanical art to print at home
    • Build a Simple DIY Boho Picnic Table (Low Profile)
    • Modern coastal inspired bathroom renovation with marble tile, shiplap, gold and black accessories, clear shower door, blue and white colors & rattan accents
      Easy IKEA Makeover: DIY Painted Bathroom Vanity

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