Healthy Pumpkins Make Good Jack-O-Lanterns

The Putnam County Extension Service said healthier pumpkins last longer as jack-o-lanterns.

Extension Agent Wayne Key said folks should make sure there’s no spots on the pumpkin because they can spread to rot quickly.

“If they buy a pumpkin, make sure both the calix end at he bottom of the pumpkin it’s sitting on as well as the stem itself, the corky stem, is in good condition,” Key said.

If you’re thinking of carving a pumpkin you grew yourself, you should plan for next year.

“Pumpkins typically are planted for production-wise as far as the number of growing days they need, somewhere the end of June first 2 weeks of July, so like a good rule of thumb is July 4, if you’re shooting firecrackers off, you should have your pumpkins in the ground,” Key said.