I have found a way to keep your pumpkins lasting longer! Once you have carved those very spooky yet always creative faces with your children you set it out on the porch but they sure don't last very long! My solution is a couple packet of the silicia gel that comes with a new set of shoes. See what they can do!
Also, my problem with pumpkins is squirrels eating them before they have a chance to mold. So does anyone know if the silica gel would deter squirrels, or if it would harm them?
Steve G I think there are similar things you can buy for long term food storage. I wouldn't think these would be very good for a squirrel since they're dessicants. Unless you're trying to mummify him... :(
Most stores receive products with these packets in various items but just toss them in the garbage...if you know someone who works in retail, they can probably snag a few without any problem.
I don't know if silica gel will hurt squirrels, Steve, but I do know they don't like peppermint. I put some crushed candy canes on the dirt in the pots on my deck, and they didn't tough it. Maybe if you put some inside the pumpkins, they would stay away.
Steve, The next tme U get a haircut, ask for what fell on the floor, or ask some1 n a Barber Shop or Hair Salon 2 save, what they sweep up, for a day, & sprinkle the human hair around where U don't want the squirrels 2 go.
I don't have any of those little packets, but I am going to try some rice, or baking soda. I think either of these things will absorb moisture and also help to keep the candle centered.
I have a collection of everlasting pumpkins, I add one a year to it because I do pretty detailed carvings. I do have two or three real pumpkins but I carve those at the last minute so they stay fresh. Those are the ones I use for cooking and preserving in the couple of days after Halloween.
Thanks for all the answers on finding silica packets. And Cindy, the peppermint is an interesting tip I am going to have to try.
We have had two small pumpkins out on our front porch for about three weeks. We hadn't decorated them or anything yet, but the 2-year-old was rolling them down the driveway and snapped the stem off one, a few days ago. After posting my question today, the squirrels got into the stemless pumpkin and completely ravaged it.
Hen manure works wonders for keeping squirrels away...whether around bird feeders or freshly planted spring bulbs, so I imagine it would work for pumpkins too. You can buy it in garden centres and it's organic with no odor because it's aged.
Used Kitty litter around planted bulbs and flowers that rabbits, squirrels and deer love to eat. Only thing I could find that works that won't harm either.
We have had two small pumpkins out on our front porch for about three weeks. We hadn't decorated them or anything yet, but the 2-year-old was rolling them down the driveway and snapped the stem off one, a few days ago. After posting my question today, the squirrels got into the stemless pumpkin and completely ravaged it.