News > Rural Lifestyle > Prolong your pumpkins

Prolong your pumpkins

Oct 05, 2020

October is here and that brings pumpkin season. Pumpkin flavored coffee, pumpkin pie, and pumpkins displayed on the porches across town. However, once they’re Jack O’lanterns, or been on the porch, they start to lose their luster. Check out these tips to keep your pumpkin pristine all fall long.
 
  1. Clean, clean, and clean!
The wet interior of the pumpkins will grow mold quickly. Reduce the risk by cleaning the inside of gutted pumpkins. Add one teaspoon of bleach to one quart of water and use the solution to clean the pumpkin outside. If you can, give it a bath of 2/3 cup of bleach in water for up to 24 hours.
 
  1. Avoid carving if possible.
Prolong the life of your pumpkin by leaving it in tack. Although Jacko lanterns are fun, not carving the pumpkin ensures it lives from the beginning of October until you’re ready to be done with it after Thanksgiving.
 
  1. Protect it from extreme temps.
Bringing in pumpkins in extreme heat and cold temperatures help prolong its life. Putting it on a little base for easy transport inside and out is recommended for easy moving.
 
  1. Apply petroleum jelly.
Seal the insides with petroleum jelly. It keeps excess moisture out and seals in freshness. Make sure to coat all the little nooks and cuts to seal each spot. Reapply as needed.
 
We wish you a happy fall and sweet memories made with family carving pumpkins and decorating for the season.
 

Read More News

Backyard Weed Control
Jun 22, 2026
To control weeds around your home and farm, apply both pre-emergent and post-emergent treatments. Pre-emergent weed control is designed to prevent weed growth before weeds sprout. It should be applied twice in the spring, once in late summer, and once in the fall — so four times throughout the year. Post-emergent weed control targets those weeds that still seem to come through the soil even after pre-emergent treatment. Apply post-emergent control as needed throughout the growing season regularly from spring to fall.
 
Insecticide Timing Tips for a Healthier Lawn
May 25, 2026

Applying insecticide at the right time is key to protecting your lawn. Too early, and pests aren’t active; too late, and damage like thinning turf and brown patches has already occurred. Because different pests peak at different times, effective control depends on timing treatments with their life cycles and local conditions.

Enjoy Tennessee’s Great Outdoors
Apr 13, 2026
April is an ideal month to experience Tennessee’s outdoors, with mild weather, blooming landscapes, and lighter crowds before summer. Popular activities include exploring state parks, hiking for exercise, spotting wildflowers, and attending spring festivals and community events.