What do pumpkins scare away?

Over time, the practice of carving spooky faces on a pumpkin evolved into other forms of pumpkin-carving. The original idea of the jack-o’-lantern was to scare away evil spirits. The Irish would set the carved pumpkins or turnips by their doors and windows in hopes that they would protect them.

Can you carve medium pumpkins?

Pumpkin Carving Tips Round, medium-sized pumpkins are best for simple carving, while larger pumpkins are better suited for more elaborate designs.

How long does it take to carve a pumpkin from start to finish?

I chose a medium sized pumpkin for this project. If you choose a really large one, it may take a bit more time to clean out the inside. But for my pumpkin, start to finish, took 15 minutes: tops.

How long will an uncut pumpkin last?

Uncarved pumpkins can last two to three months if kept out of the hot sun or freezing temperatures.

Can you use a regular knife to carve a pumpkin?

Can I use a normal knife to carve a pumpkin? Yes; use a small, thin kitchen knife for the best results.

What size pumpkin is best for carving?

Choose pumpkins that are 3-6 pounds in weight, and have names like Sugar Pie, New England Pie or Baby Pam Pumpkin. Look for a pumpkin with 1-2 inches of stem. If it’s green, even better—that means your pumpkin is super fresh. The shape of the pumpkin is unimportant, but it should be free of blemishes and soft spots.

How do I keep my uncut pumpkin from rotting?

Let your pumpkin dry completely, then choose one of the options below to keep it fresh:

Spray daily with a bleach solution (use ratio above)
Spray daily with a pumpkin spray (either store bought or homemade)
Spray with WD-40 (just once or after each soak)
Rub with petroleum jelly (just once or after each soak)

How to preserve Pumpkins and gourds?

How to Preserve Pumpkins & Gourds. Prepare a mixture of bleach, water and dish soap. (One gallon water, 2 T. bleach and a squirt of dish soap.) Soak real gourds for 15 to 30 minutes. Use a tub or even your kitchen sink. Rinse and dry well. Before adding to your decor, it’s optional to give your pumpkins a quick coat of spray matte sealer.

How can I help spread the word that Pumpkins should not be garbage?

Anyone can help spread the word that pumpkins should not go into the garbage. Below are flyers and tools that make it easy for you. Print a flyer, and post it in your school, church, library, or any community bulletin board. Print Trick-or-Treat fliers, and hand out fliers with your candy.

Why do Pumpkins rot on the vine?

The thing that makes pumpkins & gourds rot in the first place is the dirt and mold that they pick up from the fields where they are grown. In order to preserve them and prevent the rotting, that dirt and mold must be removed. So if you’ve always wondered how to preserve pumpkins easily, here you go!

Do you seal Pumpkins before decorating?

Before adding to your decor, it’s optional to give your pumpkins a quick coat of spray matte sealer. It helps preserve them even longer. I filled my sink once and did a batch of white pumpkins first, followed by the big heirloom pumpkin.