5 Ways To Protect Your Pumpkin
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It’s time for some pumpkin carving and displaying your gourd-geous creations on the front porch. If you put in the work, you want it to last, right? So how do you keep your jack-o’-lanterns from looking scarier than intended?
Related: 10 Pumpkin Patches Near Charlotte, North Carolina
Eventually, your carved pumpkin will get stinky and rotten, but you don’t want that to happen before Halloween. Finding a balance of moisture and dryness is key. Popsugar has some pumpkin protection tips for you to try:
- Choose your pumpkin carefully – If the pumpkin has bruises, discoloration, dents, or deep cuts, look for one that’s more uniform.
- Get all of the guts out – If you don’t scrape the pumpkin out thoroughly, the innards will create moisture (which accelerates rot) and could even attract pests and rodents.
- Spray your pumpkin – Fill a spray bottle with water and a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar. Spraying this on the pumpkin will help preserve it and keep pests away.
- Use fake candles – Real candles can dry it out (it needs some moisture) and wear down the pumpkin too fast. Use glow sticks or battery-powered tea lights instead.
- Place your pumpkin somewhere dry – Too much moisture will cause it to get moldy and rot. Keep it off the ground, to discourage unwanted pests and rodents. A bench or table will work well.
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Phil Harris is 50% of "Phil & Mel in the Afternoon" on K104.7. He has been with the station since 2013 and on the air in Charlotte since 2000. Before coming to the Queen City, Phil worked for radio stations in Pittsburgh, Austin, and Seattle. In addition to the weekly "Throwback Threesome" music video feature, Phil writes about things that matter to Charlotte sports fans and pet owners. He happens to be both.
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