Choose Wisely & Drive Carefully
This first step may sound obvious, but it is arguably the most crucial. When you are strolling in a pumpkin patch, shop for your perfect gourd as you might for fruit at the grocery store.
Steer clear of pumpkins that are dented or damaged, and never pick one that already has a loose stem. Plus, if you see any water-soaked spots on the outside of a pumpkin, it is best to put it back.
Taking these factors into account will help prevent post-harvest diseases from invading your pumpkin.
Any cracks, soaked spots, or dents can allow bacteria, fungi, mold, and small insects to make their way inside– which will only make your pumpkin sag that much quicker.
And afterward, how you transport your pumpkin home is just as crucial. First of all, never pick up a pumpkin by its stem– because that can loosen or tear it. Second, be sure to secure your pumpkin in a bin or even with a seatbelt.
Pesky potholes and stopping short at red lights can send your pumpkin tumbling in your trunk– which only increases the risk of breakage and post-harvest diseases taking hold.
Polish Your Pumpkins Off
Well, not literally. But it is important to clean off your gourds as soon as you get them home.
While growing in the field, your pumpkin’s exterior rind has been exposed to bacteria, fungi, water molds, and soil-living organisms like mites, nematodes, and insects. Promptly removing these is ideal for preserving your pumpkin’s shelf life.
Some people go so far as to soak their pumpkins in tubs with dish soap and detergent. However, the process does not have to be that complicated.