Pumpkin After-Care: Post-Install Instructions

Your stoop is styled to last, but a little TLC goes a long way! Think of your pumpkins like a bottle of wine — they age best when stored in the right conditions.

Pumpkin 101 📚

• Cool, dry, shaded spots are your pumpkins’ best friend.

• Direct, blazing sun will cause them to age prematurely.

• Damp surfaces (like grass and dirt) can shorten their life, so we layer with straw bales, grapevine wreaths, and stacking techniques where possible to help them last.

• Keep them dry! Sprinkler systems can cause premature rotting, so if your stoop is in their path, try adjusting the spray pattern or watering schedule to avoid daily soaking.
  

From Patch to Porch 🎃

Your pumpkins are already ahead of the curve:

• Harvested just 1-2 weeks before your install.

• Cleaned twice — once at the farm, then each individually hand-scrubbed in the city with a vinegar and dish soap wash to keep bacteria at bay.

• Finished with a touch of baby oil during installation to keep them hydrated and shiny all season long.

  • If you prefer Coconut Oil or Beeswax, please let us know before your installation.

  • When your pumpkins start to look less shiny, you can re-finish them with baby oil and a spray bottle!
    

Critter Control 🐿️

If squirrels or other curious visitors stop by:

• Try this natural mint-based spray (safe + effective)

• Inexpensive hair spray will deter them, but it washes off in the rain. Remember to reapply!

• We have some clients that stick these squirrel repellent pouches into their pumpkin displays.

More Intense Critter Control 🆘

• WD-40 is another option — just use with care on certain surfaces.

• A clear enamel spray also works! Also available in a Matte finish. Again, use with caution! This can cause already decaying pumpkins to crumble.

If you know your porch attracts squirrels no matter what you use, let us know ahead of time! We can finish your pumpkins with this clear acrylic spray, but unfortunately, you will not be able to use our removal service with WasteNot composting.

Carve with Care 🔪

Planning to carve a few of your Jack-O-Lanterns? For best results:

• Cut from the bottom, leaving the stem intact.

• Coat all exposed cuts with petroleum jelly (like Vaseline) to slow down spoilage.

What about when it rains?

If your pumpkins get caught in a downpour, give them a quick wipe down with a soft towel or cloth.

Don’t forget the leaf blower hack! A gentle blow dry (on the low setting) works wonders for speeding up the drying process and preventing damp spots for sitting too long.

Check for pooling. If water is collecting at the base, shift pumpkins slightly to keep air flowing underneath.

The Stoop Survival Guide

Cool + shaded > hot sun.

Dry + elevated > damp surfaces or grass.

A little preventative care = a longer-lasting, more beautiful stoop. ✨

Enjoy your fall install — don’t hesitate to reach out with questions!