Learn How West Texans Can Keep Their Carved Pumpkins Rot Free.

Halloween is right around the corner and pumpkin carving is in full swing. This is a great way to spend creative family time with the kiddos. We love to do this in our household but one issue always occurs with this activity, pumpkin rot.

No matter how much I try our pumpkins rot too soon, it's always hit or miss. If you are having issues here are some things Lubbock Weather released that will help you preserve your pumpkin artwork.

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CHOOSING THE RIGHT PUMPKIN

This is probably the most crucial step in preserving your family's pumpkin carvings. Try not to pick ones stacked in a pile; this can cause some to heat up and rot faster. Make sure your pumpkin is not sitting in a sunny area when you pick it out; you don't want the pumpkin baking in the sun all day. Also, get one with a stem; this helps the gourd stay alive longer.

THE PREP

Now that you have picked the perfect pumpkin, let's get into the prep. Wash your pumpkin with 1 tablespoon of bleach and 1 gallon of water. If you don't want to use bleach you can also use a solution with 1 tablespoon castile soap and 1 quart of water instead. This will help kill bacteria that would make your pumpkin rot faster. To dry let your pumpkin sit outside in a shaded area.

TIME TO CARVE

The fun part has finally arrived! It's time to gut the pumpkin, make sure to cut a hole in the bottom instead of the top. Keeping the stem on the pumpkin will make it last longer. After you are done carving and it is dry, rub petroleum jelly on the cut edges to help it retain moisture. After your pumpkin is carved spray it inside and out at least once a week with a lemon-vinager mixture. Here in West Texas October can still get hot, bring in the pumpkin on the toasty days to keep it out of the heat.

Once the spooky season is over and your pumpkin is on its last leg; place it in your garden so your plants can get nutrients from it.