Lazy Girl Trick on How to Preserve Your Pumpkins This Fall
Good news—this Lazy Girl trick for preserving your pumpkins is not only super easy and affordable, it actually works.
After years of decorating my porch with pumpkins (and spending way too much money on them), I was tired of watching them rot too soon or get snacked on by squirrels. So I set out to find a better way to make them last longer outdoors—and now I’m breaking it all down step-by-step in case you’ve been in the same boat.
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4 Lazy Girl Tips to Make Your Pumpkin’s Last Longer
1. Give Them a Bath
Start by giving your pumpkins a little spa moment. Mix one part bleach with 10 parts water and let them soak for about two minutes. Stir gently to coat all sides. Prefer a plant based cleaner or vinegar instead? You can totally use that!
2. Dry Them Thoroughly
After their bleach bath, set the pumpkins out to dry completely. Pay extra attention to the base of the stem because liquid loves to hang out there, and that can speed up rotting.
3. Moisturize With Hairspray
Now for the unexpected step; hairspray! Yep, give your pumpkins, a light spritz with clear non-sticky hairspray. This helps seal in moisture, and gives the skin a protective barrier against rot and squirrels. Reapply once a week or as needed to keep them looking their best. I grabbed my hairspray at The Dollar Store!
4. Store Them Properly
If you’re not using your pumpkins right away, stash them in a cool dry place out of direct sun. Heat and sunlight will make them go soft quicker than you would think.
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Bonus Tip
If you’re still hunting for pumpkins, I found great deals over at Walmart this year. They had the best prices by far or you can grow them on your own next year!
A Little Note on Preserving Pumpkins
I used this exact method last year and we were honestly shocked at how well it worked. My porch pumpkin stayed looking cute well into November, and the squirrels left them alone which was a miracle in itself! I hope it brings you the same lazy girl magic this fall.
If you give this a try tag me over on Instagram (@lazygirlsgardenclub ) or drop a comment below I’d love to hear how it goes! Also, if you have any tips that has personally helped to preserve your pumpkins and keep them safe from squirrels, let me know in the comments below too. Happy Fall!
Pumpkin Care & Preservation Tips FAQ
Q: Why do pumpkins rot so quickly after I decorate with them?
A: Pumpkins are full of moisture, and once they’re picked, they’re prone to mold, rot, and decay—especially when exposed to heat, moisture, or critters like squirrels. That’s why giving them a good clean and applying a preservative barrier (like hairspray) helps them last longer.
Q: Can I use vinegar instead of bleach for the pumpkin bath?
A: Yes! If you prefer a more natural option, white vinegar or a plant-based cleaner works well. The key is to kill off any bacteria or mold spores that might be lingering on the pumpkin’s surface.
Q: Does the hairspray trick really work?
A: It does! A light coat of clear, non-sticky hairspray helps lock in the pumpkin’s natural moisture while creating a barrier that slows down rot and discourages animals. Just be sure to reapply every week or so, especially if your pumpkins are outdoors.
Q: How long will my pumpkins last if I follow these tips?
A: With proper care, your uncarved pumpkins can last 4–6 weeks (sometimes longer) when kept cool, clean, and out of direct sunlight. Carved pumpkins tend to have a shorter lifespan—about 5–10 days—but these tips can still stretch that window a little!
Q: Can I use these methods on carved pumpkins too?
A: You can! Just note that once a pumpkin is carved, it starts breaking down more quickly. Use the bleach or vinegar rinse before carving to help extend its life. And don’t forget to dry it thoroughly before putting it on display.
Q: Where should I store my pumpkins if I’m not displaying them right away?
A: Keep them in a cool, dry, shaded spot—like a covered porch or garage. Direct sunlight, heat, or wet conditions can lead to soft spots and early rot.
Q: What kinds of pumpkins work best for outdoor decorating?
A: Smaller pie pumpkins, heirloom varieties, and even decorative gourds hold up well when left uncarved. Just avoid any pumpkins with visible blemishes or soft spots at the store—they won’t last long no matter what you do!
All the best tips
A Simple Guide to Decorating Pumpkins with Dried Flowers
Whether you choose a faux or real pumpkin, let’s dress it up with those zinnia blooms you’ve dried (hello, silica gel magic!) and some soft moss for a cozy, natural look. This DIY project is super simple, won’t take much time, and will bring a lovely, garden-inspired vibe to your home.
I’d love to have you hang out with me some more! Feel free to follow along with me on any of the platforms linked below.
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OMG, the hairspray trick is HILARIOUS! Who knew pumpkin preservation involved my old high school beauty supplies? Seriously though, this is brilliant lazy-girl magic! My porch pumpkins usually look like sad, slimy gourds by October, but maybe next year Ill actually have a display that lasts past Labor Day. The squirrel comment had me laughing – its like a nature documentary, but theyre after my decor, not squirrels! Thanks for the Dollar Store hairspray hack, Kelly – now I need to go find some pumpkins that dont look like theyve seen a damp spot! 😂 #pumpkinproblems #hairsprayherogrow a garden calculator
Who knew hairspray was the secret weapon against pumpkin decay and squirrel marauders? This method is brilliantly lazy – the kind of set it and forget it magic I live for! Seriously, preserving pumpkins long enough for November seems like a pipe dream, but this could actually work. Drying them thoroughly and giving them a protective spritz sounds way easier than constantly battling natures forces. And the bonus tip about Walmart? Gold star! Im definitely trying this year; my porch might just have pumpkins looking fresh into December (fingers crossed!). Thanks for the hilarious and helpful guide, Kelly!speed stars download
Please for the love, do NOT use bleach. It will poison the animals! It’s not just squirrels that eat pumpkins. ❤️ here’s what you can do instead: Step 1: Choose the Right Pumpkins
Go for hard-skinned varieties: Cinderella, Jarrahdale, Long Island Cheese, or any heirloom pumpkin.
Avoid thin-skinned types—they rot faster and are easy for critters to chew.
Pick pumpkins with no bruises, cracks, or soft spots.
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Step 2: Natural Cleaning
Mix 1 tbsp vinegar + 1 quart water.
Wipe the entire pumpkin with a soft cloth. This kills surface bacteria and mold spores.
Let it air dry completely—moisture is the enemy.
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Step 3: Cure the Pumpkin
Place in a warm, sunny, dry spot (around 80–85°F / 27–29°C) for 7–10 days.
Turn daily so all sides get sun exposure.
Result: tough, glossy skin that slows rot and chewing.
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Step 4: Natural Protective Coating (Optional but Recommended)
Beeswax coat: Melt a small amount, brush lightly on pumpkin skin. Creates a natural moisture barrier.
Essential oil wipe: Tea tree or clove oil diluted in water can lightly deter mold.
Both methods are edible-safe and wildlife-resistant.
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Step 5: Squirrel & Critter Deterrents
Elevate pumpkins: Use shelves, pallets, crates, or hanging mesh. Off the ground = harder for squirrels.
Barriers: Surround pumpkins with chicken wire, garden netting, or mesh cages. Small gaps only (≤1 inch) to prevent paws from getting in.
Repellent sprays:
Mix water + cayenne or chili powder in a spray bottle; lightly mist pumpkin skin.
Sprinkle coffee grounds or place garlic/mint/rosemary sprigs around your storage area.
Reapply after rain or heavy humidity.
Scent masking: Consider a small pile of sunflower seeds or corn away from the pumpkins—give squirrels a decoy to distract them.
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Step 6: Storage Conditions
Cool, dark, dry place: Ideally 50–55°F / 10–13°C.
Air circulation: Prevents mold buildup.
Separation: Don’t stack; leave 2–3 inches between pumpkins.
Weekly inspection: Remove any pumpkin showing soft spots or mold immediately.
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Step 7: Optional Extra Security
If squirrels are relentless, a covered shed with a small door or rat-proof shelving inside can keep them out entirely.
Combine all methods—cured skin, repellent sprays, elevation, and barriers—for maximum survival.
Ok, thank you for this!!!