Picking the Perfect Pumpkin (and What to Do with It After!)
It must be October because pumpkins are everywhere. From the big orange ones that beg to be carved into spooky faces to the trendy white, turquoise, and green varieties showing up on porches and grocery store displays — they’re hard to resist. I’m even tempted to grab a few of those pretty turquoise ones for my beach-themed office!
But with so many to choose from, how do you pick the perfect one?
Pumpkins for Carving
It’s been a lot of years since I’ve carved a pumpkin, but I still remember how fun (and messy) it can be. If you’re planning to create a carving masterpiece this Halloween, look for “field pumpkins.” They’re the classic carving variety.
Here’s what to look for:
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Shape: Pick one that’s nice and symmetrical with a flat bottom so it doesn’t wobble around. You’ll also want a smooth area that’s easy to cut into — your starting point for that jack-o’-lantern grin.
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Size: Bigger pumpkins give you more room to get creative, but smaller ones are easier to handle. And maybe grab an extra one… you know, just in case your pumpkin carving is like mine!
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Color: While orange is traditional, don’t overlook the green, white, or even blue and turquoise pumpkins. They add a fun twist to your porch display.
And if carving isn’t your thing (or you’re not in the mood for pumpkin guts everywhere), grab a few Sharpies and get creative with hand-drawn designs instead.
Pumpkins for Cooking
Pumpkins aren’t just for decoration — they’re delicious, too! If you’re planning to bake or cook, skip the big field pumpkins and look for these instead:
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Pie Pumpkins: Small, sweet, and perfect for pies, soups, and purees. They’re usually labeled “pie pumpkins.”
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Sugar Pumpkins: These are very similar to pie pumpkins, with that same smooth texture and naturally sweet flavor. Great for roasting or baking.
How to Keep Your Pumpkin Fresh
Once you’ve picked your perfect pumpkin, you’ll want to keep it looking its best — especially if it’s part of your fall porch display.
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Store it in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight or heat.
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After carving or cutting, wipe it down with a damp cloth and dry it completely.
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If you want it to last a little longer, use a pumpkin preservative spray or a mixture of vinegar and water to help prevent mold.
What to Do With Your Used Pumpkin
Don’t just toss that pumpkin when the season’s over!
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Compost it: Your garden soil will thank you.
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Bird feeder: Fill your carved pumpkin with birdseed and hang it outside for the neighborhood birds.
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Roast the seeds: They make a crunchy, healthy snack.
Roasting Pumpkin Seeds
Here’s how I make mine:
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Scoop out the seeds and rinse off any pulp.
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Spread them on a paper towel and let them air dry for a few hours (or overnight if you can).
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Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
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Toss the seeds in a little olive oil and your favorite seasonings — I like salt, garlic powder, and a touch of smoked paprika.
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Spread in a single layer and roast for 20–25 minutes, until golden and crispy.
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Let them cool and store in an airtight container (if they last that long!).
So, whether you’re decorating your porch, carving a classic jack-o’-lantern, or whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, there’s a perfect pumpkin out there waiting for you.
Happy pumpkin picking! 🎃
Grab these products from Amazon to help carve your pumpkin and preserve it.
Buy this deluxe pumpkin carving kit that comes with candles and an EBook
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Use mod podge or any clear acrylic sealer with a matte finish to preserve the pumpkin so that it will last longer. Of course, you will no longer be able to compost or feed to the birds or chickens.
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