Pumpkins are a common choice for backyard gardens because they are an essential part of fall decor and cuisine. But while growing pumpkins, what should you put under them? And how can you make sure that after they are harvested, your pumpkins last as long as possible? Continue reading for solutions to these and other questions. What to Cover Pumpkins With While Growing
It’s crucial to keep pumpkins free from rot and pests when cultivating them. Putting a covering of straw or hay underneath the pumpkins is one practical solution. By doing this, you can keep the pumpkins off the ground and out of the wetness that can make them rot. The hay or straw also acts as a protective barrier between the pumpkins and any soil-dwelling pests.
The use of a pumpkin stand or rack is an additional choice. These are made specifically to lift pumpkins off the ground so that air can circulate around them and stop decay. To deter pests, some pumpkin stands even come with integrated insect repellent. How to Prevent Rotting Pumpkins with Vinegar You can use vinegar in addition to placing something under your pumpkins to stop them from decaying. Apply the solution on your pumpkins using a spray bottle after combining one part vinegar to ten parts water. The water dilutes the vinegar so that it won’t harm the pumpkins while the vinegar aids in the destruction of microorganisms that could cause rot. How to Extend the Life of a Pumpkin
Make sure your pumpkins last as long as possible after you’ve picked them. One important piece of advice is to wait to carve them until a few days before you intend to utilize them. The flesh of a pumpkin might dry up and deteriorate more quickly after carving since it is exposed to the air.
Applying a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the pumpkin’s sliced edges is another useful tip. This aids in retaining moisture and delays premature drying of the pumpkin. Last but not least, to increase the lifespan of your pumpkins, store them in a cool, dry environment, ideally between 50 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Do Pumpkins Easily Freeze?
Pumpkins can survive a certain degree of cold and are actually fairly hardy. However, they may suffer damage if left in freezing conditions for a lengthy period of time. The water inside the pumpkin expands as it freezes, which might result in a crack or possibly a burst. It is advisable to harvest your pumpkins before the first frost and preserve them indoors if you live in a region with frequent freezing temperatures.
Around 27°F is the temperature at which pumpkins can begin to freeze. However, a number of variables, such as the pumpkin’s size, moisture content, and exposure time to freezing conditions, affect the precise temperature at which a pumpkin will freeze. Generally speaking, it’s better to keep pumpkins away from prolonged exposure to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
In conclusion, growing pumpkins is a pleasant and enjoyable activity, but success does depend on proper care and consideration. You can enjoy your pumpkins for weeks or even months after harvest if you put something under them, use vinegar to stop rot, and adhere to other storage and care instructions.