Tips from The Pumpkin Man
*Choose your pumpkin based on the image you want to carve. A tall, skinny pumpkin works well for shapes like dragons or witches, while a short, fat one is better for an image featuring a full moon, for example.
*A darker skinned pumpkin seems to last longer than a lighter-skinned one...we're not really sure why...
*Scrape and clean the inside of your pumpkin really well; a carving with thinner walls will last longer.
*During the daytime, store your pumpkin out of the sun. Mist it lightly with water every few hours.
*Use small votive candles, and never leave them unattended. Blow them out when you go to bed at night, and be sure to remove them before you water your pumpkin!
*To help your carving last longer, try spreading petroleum jelly on the cut edges and the inside. This will help it hold moisture.