How to Care for Your Porch Pumpkins So They Last Through Fall

Fall in Michigan can bring unpredictable weather, but with the right care, your porch pumpkins can last from September through Thanksgiving. Here are some proven tips for keeping your display fresh:

1. Start with Clean, Healthy Pumpkins

Choose pumpkins with firm, intact stems and no soft spots or cracks. A strong stem is a good indicator of a fresh pumpkin.

2. Clean Them Before Displaying

Gently wipe your pumpkins with a diluted bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water). This kills bacteria and mold spores that cause rotting.

3. Keep Them Dry and Shaded

Avoid placing pumpkins in direct sun or on wet surfaces. Use hay bales, dry porch floors, or wooden crates to elevate them. Morning sun is fine, but afternoon shade is ideal.

4. Bring Them In During Freezes

If temperatures dip into the freezing range, move your pumpkins inside overnight. Freezing can damage the skin and cause early decay.

5. Avoid Carving If You Want Longevity

Carved pumpkins break down much faster. For long-lasting porch displays, leave pumpkins whole and decorate around them with accessories instead.

Tip:
Spraying pumpkins lightly with a mixture of water and peppermint oil can deter squirrels and animals from nibbling on them.