Happy Monday, friends!
Today’s post is just a little tip for those of you as obsessed with gourd-geous pumpkins as I am!
As you all know, we like to buy our pumpkins as soon as they’re out…even though it’s still warm here in Texas. What we’ve learned over the years though is that one way to make sure your pumpkins and gourds stay looking fabulous for several months (and especially in the heat!) is to spray them with…
…this right here. You can buy this at places like Home Depot in different types of finishes. This year, we sprayed all of the pumpkins with high gloss, but next year, I think we might try doing a mix of high gloss and matte. Either way, our experience tells us that this helps preserve our pumpkins outdoors much, much longer!
Here’s what you do…
…bring home your pumpkins and wash them off.
Then let them dry completely out in the sun (it doesn’t take long).
Grab your supplies and start…
After you spray your pumpkins, let them dry a few minutes before moving them to your outside location.
And that, my friends, is how we keep our pumpkins gourd-geous all season long 🙂 .
Have the best Monday! xx
Erika Slaughter says
Goodness! A pumpkin here or there just makes me happy!
Alison says
Love this tip and love the gourd-geous pumpkins!! Hope you’re having a great start to your week!
Elspeth says
Such a great tip! Thanks for sharing! Happy Monday!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I’ve heard of this before but never knew if it actually worked–can’t wait to try!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
Colleen says
This is an awesome tip! Does it keep squirrels and critters from eating them!? Please say yes!🙏🏼🙏🏼
Mix and Match Mama says
I can’t say for sure although, we haven’t had any critters eat them so far this year. But I don’t know?!
Julie says
Good tip! From New England here, the local farmer I buy my pumpkins from swears by Lemon Pledge. It keeps the animals away too.
Mix and Match Mama says
I love that tip!!!
Lori M says
Does this keep squirrels from eating them?
Mix and Match Mama says
I don’t think that’s been a problem for us (at least I cannot recall a time when it has been), but perhaps?
Candice Ibarra says
To keep squirrels from eating the pumpkins you can coat each pumpkin with a thin layer of vasoline. Works for us every year – and keeps the pumpkin looking shiny!
Molly says
Hopefully, no critters will eat them because the sealant will make it toxic for them. Also will not be able to donate them to a zoo or wildlife refuge after Halloween.
Amanda says
Yes we always donate ours as well. Id gate to just throw them out.
Laura says
Brilliant! Yay!! Will totally do this. I had a pumpkin implode last year way before Halloween…I’d rather not clean that up again! 😅
Casey says
Do you have any ideas on how to keep deer from eating them?? Or do you think the clear coat will help deter them?
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh gosh, we do not have deer in our neighborhood, so I don’t know. I bet someone else here can tell us though!
MelanieL says
I decorated my porch with pumpkins and mums this weekend! I used light purple mums and various gourds similar to yours and it looks so pretty! I’ve always loved your stone pieces! 🙂
Elizabeth Whisler says
Such a great idea! Sunscreen for the gourds!! Hahaha!!
jessica says
Hi! Super bummed we are likely cancelling our DW trip (through MMM) this week due to the hurricane. Looking at alternatives, Nantucket fun for 10 month old and 3 year old? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Weather is always the worst enemy of any vacation. I would say no to Nantucket this time of year with kiddos that age. Ask about Disneyland though! We can move you to that side of the country 🙂 .
Shelly Nutt says
Our neighborhood donates all of our pumpkins to the non-profit large animal rescue center and the pumpkins are fed to the animals. Do you know if the sprayed pumpkins can still be fed to horses and livestock?
Mix and Match Mama says
That’s a great question! If you find out the answer, please come back and share!!
Nicole says
Harmful if swallowed: https://www.rustoleum.com/MSDS/ENGLISH/21302.pdf
Probably better to avoid donating if you spray them. Or, don’t spray the pumpkins and continue to donate.
Janet says
The spray would not be safe for the animals. Use a mixture of white vinegar and water. Soak them for a few minutes in this mixture. Use a bucket or fill your tub up. Some people use bleach. But this isn’t safe for the animals to eat either. I used the vinegar method last year and my pumpkins lasted all season.
Kacey says
Unfortunately, the spray paint is toxic for animals to ingest.
amy says
Love this little post! – Enjoy all of your posts but I was looking at the gorgeous pumpkin varieties at Trader Joe’s yesterday- is it me or every year are there more and more varieties???!- and I kept thinking how beautiful they are! But my husband said “It’s too early to buy pumpkins”. -And he didn’t want me to get any. I will share this with him- thank you
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
I love this!! Is there a way to make this pin-able for next year?? 😁 I looked in your recent pins on your pinterest profile, but I didn’t see this post.
Mix and Match Mama says
I just pinned it!
WhittyWife (Lindsay) says
Thank you so much!!
Sheaffer Sims says
Pretty!
Angie says
I love pumpkins too! And buy quite a few every year, for indoors and out. I wash all of mine in a diluted bleach/water mixture to get rid of any mold and yuck hat might be on there. Seems to work really well and they usually last through Thanksgiving.