It’s October! Time to get to the pumpkin patch and get ready for some fun Halloween pumpkin carving. Here’s some advice for you on how to pick the right pumpkin.

6 Tips on Picking a Pumpkin for Carving

1. Pick it up and tap it: It should feel sturdy. When you tap it, you should hear a hollow sound.
2. Check the colouring: Choose one that has consistent colouring throughout.
3. Look for bad spots: Try to choose a pumpkin without any scratches, bruises, or dark spots.
4. Apply pressure: Flip the pumpkin upside down and apply pressure with your thumbs. If it’s not completely sturdy, the pumpkin isn’t fresh and will rot quickly.
5. Set it down: Make sure it sits flat! (Unless you want your jack-o’-lantern to sit a little crooked.)
6. Carry it from the bottom: Don’t carry it by the stem — instead, cradle it from the bottom or tote it home in a bag.

 

First carving tip! Don’t cut the stem out to put your light inside your pumpkin. The stem can continue to feed your pumpkin for a while, making it last a bit longer. Cut a hole in the bottom.

The Difference Between Pie Pumpkins and Carving Pumpkins

Have you ever seen signs for “Pie Pumpkins” and “Carving Pumpkins?” Farm stands sometimes label pumpkins to help remove the guesswork. Carving pumpkins are thinner and easier to saw into. They have less guts on the inside, which are grainier and stringier, making them easier to clean. Pie pumpkins, meant for baking, are usually smaller and more rounded. They have thick yummy walls.

Want to learn to Etch your Own Pumpkin This Year! Join me and let’s make a masterpiece together!