Silken was the frosted air, rushing through the trees, quaking every leaf as the ripened sun flickered through the canopy. A shower of crimson, gold, and tangerine foliage glided through the cloudless, turquoise sky, gathering underfoot, mirroring the trees above.

Autumn offers a feast for the senses, glazed in saccharine sweet, honey drenched tones and flavors. And nothing quite embodies the season better than the almighty pumpkin.

If you haven’t picked your “carving” pumpkin yet, we’ve put together five easy tips to pick the best, longest lasting pumpkins:

  • Look for pumpkins that are consistent in color with solidly attached stems.
  • Pumpkins should produce a hollow sound when you tap on them, not a thud.
  • Stay away from pumpkins with mushy flesh or stems.  You should be able to apply a fair amount of pressure with your fingers without the flesh giving in.  Don’t forget to test the bottom as well.
  • Pass on pumpkins with bruises, scrapes or holes.
  • Look at the top of the pumpkin.  If the color is dull, the pumpkin may have sustained frost damage.

To keep jack-o-lanterns looking fresh, keep them out of direct sunlight in a cool place. Cover the pumpkin in a damp cloth to keep it from drying out, and never leave outdoors if there’s a threat of frost.

Got a winning pumpkin? Send us your pics!  We’d love to share them. Reach out to Sweeney’s today!  We proudly serve the communities of Villa Park, Elmhurst, Oakbrook, Oakbrook Terrace, Glen Ellyn, Lombard, Wood Dale, Itasca, and more!

Sweeney’s:  A Plant Based Company

Plant of the Week

Prairie Flame Shining Sumac
Multi-stemmed deciduous shrub with delicate greenish-yellow flowers that bloom late Spring to early Summer amongst glossy, green foliage that turns flame red in Autumn.  Prefers sun to partial sun and dry soil.  Grows 4-6′ tall and 4-6′ wide.

“I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion.”

-Henry David Thoreau

Best wishes,

Kim Sweeney