How to stop your carved pumpkin from rotting before Halloween

• Uncarved pumpkins can last for multiple months, whereas carved Jack-o’-lanterns typically rot within three to five days, meaning they won’t survive until Halloween .
• Warmth and a moist climate accelerate bacterial growth and decay, so it’s better to keep carved pumpkins in a cool room or undercover outside rather than by the fire in the living room.
• Refrigerating Jack-o’-lanterns between uses is another way to extend their lifespan.
• Placing a burning candle inside a carved pumpkin looks great and dries out the flesh from the inside out, further preserving the gourd.
• Painting a pumpkin rather than carving it keeps the hard protective skin intact and is another way to prevent premature rotting.