Rotting Pumpkins

Today we learned about rotting pumpkins. After our carved pumpkin sat out all week (and long weeknd) we discovered a few new things this morning. 

First, that bluey-grey fuzzy stuff is called MOLD. 

Second, when the pumpkin rots, the texture is different: soft 

Third, pumpkins go in the compost, not the garbage! 

Here is our poor pumpkin today:

How do we prevent this? 

* Don't carve your pumpkin too early! 

* Sterilize the pumpkin's carved surfaces 

* Seal the surfaces to prevent drying

If you have any other recommendations we would love to hear them. We don't want to make the same mistake next year! 

-- Division 16