Unfortunately, most jack-o-lanterns only last three to five days before they begin to get soft and rot.
Learn how to make a jack-o-lantern last longer with these six easy tips.
Pick a Fresh Pumpkin
Unsurprisingly,fresher pumpkinslast longer, even when they are cut into jack-o-lanterns.
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verify thepumpkin you pick is firmsoft spots are a sign the pumpkin is old.
A sturdy green stem is also a good sign of a fresh pumpkin.
Older pumpkin stems are dry and brittle.
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Your front porch is a perfect spot if you live in a cooler climate.
Once the pumpkin is carved, its still important to keep it cool.
confirm the tools you use to carve the pumpkin are also clean.
The stem is an important part of the pumpkin because it keeps the gourds walls together and in place.
When the top is cut, the pumpkin degrades faster and begins to collapse.
Instead, cut the hole in the bottom or on the side to preserve your jack-o-lantern creation longer.
Save the piece to use as a plug once your carving is complete.
Then, use a paper towel and pat the inside until its dry.
Avoid Concrete
Another easy way to preserve your jack-o-lantern longer is to avoid setting it on concrete.
Pumpkins rot faster on concrete.
The moisture in the concrete combined with the pumpkins moisture speeds up the decaying process.
Instead, store your pumpkins on hay or wood.
Unfortunately, all jack-o-lanterns decay at some point and theres no way to completely foolproof the process.
Reducing moisture and heat are the best ways to prevent carved pumpkins from rotting.
WD-40 is also flammable and can pose a risk if a candle is used inside the carved pumpkin.
