Ensure the pumpkin is still in peak freshness during the big event by waiting until three to five days before Halloween to carve your pumpkins. If you can't wait, you may be able to extend the pumpkin's lifespan with some preservation methods.

When should I carve my pumpkin?

You want your pumpkin to be in good shape for Halloween, so you probably shouldn't take this endeavor on too early in the season. In fact, it's best to wait until you're one to two weeks out from Halloween before you carve. As soon as you start carving, the clock starts ticking.

How do you keep a pumpkin from rotting?