Pumpkin carvers! If you’re like me and can’t wait ‘til the afternoon of the 31st to turn your pumpkin into a Halloween masterpiece, then you need these hacks to keep that jack o’ lantern looking fresh way longer. Let’s dive in!

First up—Pick a Healthy Pumpkin. We’re talking no squishy spots, no bruises, and keep that stem on! (It’s like the pumpkin’s hat, and nobody looks good without a hat, right?)

Next—Gut It Like a Pro. Once you crack that bad boy open, you gotta go to town on the insides. The cleaner and drier you get it, the longer it’ll last. No one likes a mushy pumpkin… or a mushy anything, really.

Petroleum Jelly Time. Yep, that stuff you’ve been using for chapped lips? Slap a layer of it on the inside of your pumpkin. It’s like pumpkin armor, keeps mold away, and slows down the whole rotting thing.

Fridge It. I know, it sounds weird, but if you toss that pumpkin in the fridge overnight, it stays fresh, keeps critters away, and your masterpiece is ready for round two the next day. (Pro tip: Give it a little spritz with peppermint spray and toss it in a small garbage bag first. Trust me, the bugs hate it. Plus, my wife doesn’t even give this much love to her roses!)

Or go big with the Soak Method—dump your pumpkin in a bucket or tub every night or two. Some people swear by this, others add a bit of bleach to keep things extra fresh. Me? I’m just trying not to bleach the kitchen!

Hmmm… you could also just grab 2 or 3 pumpkins and call it a day. Backup pumpkins for the win!

Trick your pumpkin into sticking around for more spooky fun! 🎃