Best Way To Preserve Pumpkins

I head to the North Fork every fall for pumpkins, usually sometime after the BHG Stylemaker event. My favorite spot to stop is Krumpski’s on Main Rd in Southold. I typically get about 16-20 of all sizes, along with some organic produce. I layer my outdoor spaces and add a few inside as well. My only concern when I buy them early is preserving them, as I want them to last until Thanksgiving.

I’ve tried many things over the years, and these are the best ways to preserve your pumpkins so they last all season. The first way is to soak them in 1 tsp of bleach to 1 gallon of water for an hour. You can do this outside in a tub (I use a storage tub) or your sink, but make sure it’s NOT an unmount or bathtub.

The second way is to wash them with 1-2 tbsp of dish soap per gallon of water. When dry, you can spray them with rubbing alcohol. Again, you can do this outside or bring them inside to soak. A wheel barrel is always helpful for such a task.

These next two aren’t toxic, so if you decide to let the wildlife have a feast after the season is over, they will be better. The third, critter-safe way is to mix 1 tbsp of peppermint castile soap with 4 cups of water in a spray bottle. Liberally spray the inside (if carved) and outside. The fourth is good ole vinegar. Mix one part vinegar to three parts water in a spray bottle. Be sure to wash your pumpkins with a simple rag and water and let them dry before spraying with anything.

You can catch up on the fall content that you missed. These DIY paper mache pumpkins were so fun and easy to make. The best part is that they only cost me $5 to make all six. If you are looking for faux pumpkins, I’ve got you covered, too.

Have a happy pre-fall day, friend!