Top 10 Pumpkin Storage & Sustainability Tips

 

Protect your pumpkin & the planet!

1. Cool & Dry Is Best

Store your pumpkin on a piece of cardboard in a cool (10–16°C), dry place – like a shed, garage or elevated space. Avoid damp or direct sunlight to prevent early rotting.

2. Keep It Off the Ground

Use cardboard, wood, or a crate to lift pumpkins off cold floors or wet surfaces. This prevents moisture build-up underneath that leads to mould.

3. Never Leave Them in Rain or Frost

Exposure to rain or frost rapidly speeds up rot. If pumpkins are left outside, bring them in during bad weather.

4. Be Thorough When Hollowing Out

If carving, remove all seeds, strings and soft flesh. An ice cream scoop works wonders! Less moisture inside means slower microbial growth.

Bonus: Roast the seeds for a tasty snack, or dry them to grow your own pumpkins next year!

5. Avoid Real Candles

Real flames generate heat and accelerate rotting. Use LED lights or battery-powered tea lights for a spooky (and safe!) glow.

6. Compost Your Pumpkin Properly

Once your pumpkin has passed its prime, cut it up and compost it.

DO NOT leave pumpkins in woodland or fields for wildlife – especially hedgehogs. They can’t digest the cellulose and may become very ill or die. So be sure if you’re putting them in your garden to keep them off the ground.

7. Extend Life with Natural Preservatives

Lightly spray the inside of carved pumpkins with lemon juice or vinegar to slow mould growth. You can also use a saltwater soak for a few hours before drying.

8. Preserve the Skin

Avoid damaging or piercing the pumpkin until you’re ready to carve. The skin acts as a natural barrier to bacteria and mould.

9. Decorate Without Carving

Want a longer-lasting pumpkin? Paint or use stickers, with environmentally friendly products, instead of carving. These will last weeks longer and can still be composted afterwards (just peel off stickers & wash off the paint).

10. Use Every Bit

Think sustainably:

• Flesh can be used in soups, pies, and curries
• Seeds can be roasted or saved for planting
• Skin and guts can be composted (in moderation)

Check with your local council or community garden for composting tips or food waste collection schemes.

Send us your ideas: We'd love to hear your ideas on how we can all do our bit with the storage and disposal of pumpkins once we've enjoyed them. If you have any thoughts, please do email our team at events@wasing.co.uk