Tuesday, September 22, 2020

Pumpkins

Heirloom pumpkins

 I LOVE decorating for Halloween and my favorite part is all the heirloom pumpkins/squash available nowadays. Trader Joe's is a great source, but many other grocery store chains now offer them. I much prefer the colors and textures of the heirloom like white, blue, and peach. I think they are gorgeous and traditional orange pumpkins are not my thing.

I raised the issue yesterday of pumpkins lasting in my new hot tropical climate. I am talking here uncarved pumpkins. I used to display mine through Thanksgiving in NOVA.

I learned a couple tricks I intend to try to extend their life. These techniques work anywhere - pumpkins do not like cold, heat, or rain.

First, clean your pumpkin with diluted bleach or a bleach disinfectant wipe to kill mold and bacteria. 

Second, coat the pumpkin with acrylic, paste wax, WD-40, or Vaseline. Those decorative gourds they sell, for example, are coated with varnish and last for years.

These techniques should extend the life of your pumpkins even in hot climates. 

6 comments:

  1. Thanks for the tip! I was in Sprouts last week and they had a wonderful selection of pumpkins.
    I saw a pair of adorable monkey vases yesterday at one of my favorite stores here, Bon Bon Vintage - have you been?
    I wish I could post a pic for you to see but I don’t think I can!

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    1. I will check out the pumpkins at Sprouts tomorrow when I am over that way. No, I haven't been to Bon Bon Vintage but I will check it out. Thanks.

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  2. Thanks for the tips...I haved used vaseline in the past and the pumpkins lasted long past the time needed.

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    1. The Vaseline seems like an easy option - I think I will try it myself.

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  3. Beth, The difference here is after Halloween, you cannot find a pumpkin to purchase! They just disappear. It is strange. Very different from my NoVA experience.

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    1. I always bought mine for Halloween but they lasted long after, so I never paid attention. Interesting.

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