5 Tips To Pick The Perfect Pumpkin
This weekend I spent some time at #ThePatch (AKA the pumpkin patch) and as I was searching for my perfect pumpkin I realized… I have no idea what to look for!
I mean, yeah, I want a pumpkin that is orange and round, but that’s really all I know. 🤷♀️
This is our first major holiday in our first home, so we want good PORCH pumpkins, ya know?!
So, I did a little research on how to pick a good pumpkin. One that looks good, is easy to carve, and will last until October 31.
And now I’m sharing my findings to help YOU pick the most perfect pumpkin in the patch! Read on!
tip #1: the stem
Choose a pumpkin with a sturdy stem that is at least 2” wide.
Opt for a greenish stem if possible - this means your pumpkin is fresh!
Tip #2: The Color
Look for a pumpkin that is generally rich orange in color.
Tip #3: Solid Structure
You want a pumpkin that’s solid to the touch. Make sure your pumpkin doesn’t have any soft spots, green or brown patches, bugs, and/or cuts.
Tip #4: Deep, hollow sound
Pick a pumpkin with a deep, hollow sound.
Here's a trick:
Hold the pumpkin with one hand
Place your ear on the pumpkin
Knock on its side with the knuckles of your other hand
Hear a hollow/echo sound? You're good to go!
Tip #5: Keep It Alive
While real candles look gourd-geous inside your jack-o’-lantern, you want to keep the pumpkin as cold as possible. Candles can actually start to cook the inside of your pumpkin, which causes it to decay faster!
Try a battery-operated candle or a glow stick.
*BONUS: 48 Printable Pumpkin Carving Stencils
Once you pick your perfect pumpkin, I created a whole pumpkin patch worth of printable stencils for your most boo-tiful jack-o’-lanterns. Check them out here!
I can’t wait to see your pumpkins! Make sure you tag @hayliesdailies on Instagram so I can show you some love!
>> Looking for more fall content? 💌 Make sure to subscribe to receive blog posts to your inbox! And check out these posts:
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