The other day, I walked into the neighborhood grocery store and noticed that the shelves were packed with Halloween candy. Mums were already displayed out front. So, it’s only a matter of time before we see an array of pumpkins peppered throughout storefronts and garden centers to entice us into fall decorating mode.
When shopping for an ornamental or decorative pumpkin, choose one with at least a one- to two-inch stem. This not only makes the pumpkin look more attractive, but those with missing stems are more likely to decay faster. Also, make sure that the pumpkin is unblemished, free of soft spots, and heavy for its size. The shape or size is less important and is usually chosen based on its intended use.
Ornamental pumpkins are often used for Jack-O-Lanterns. However, many folks, including me, like to incorporate whole pumpkins into their fall displays. For a different decorative touch this season, scoop out the pumpkin, make a drainage hole, fill it with potting soil, and plant pansies, mums, or some other delightful cool-season crop to craft an autumn pumpkin planter.
So, this season, have some fun decorating with pumpkins!
Additional information on pumpkins: ·
- University of Minnesota Extension: Growing pumpkins and winter squash in home gardens
- Iowa State University Extension and Outreach: All about pumpkins
- Illinois Extension-University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Choosing a Pumpkin
- Illinois Extension-University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign: Jack-O-Lantern (the story of why we carve pumpkins at Halloween)