How to Make Your Jack-O-Lantern or Carved Pumpkin Last Longer Than Halloween

All your hard work to get that George Bush pumpkin carving just right doesn't have to disappear on Halloween night --even when the neighbors would hope otherwise. Not only can you buy a jack-o-lantern preservative to keep your pumpkin looking as good as new, but there are a few simple tricks as you carve away.

If you want to extend the lifespan of your hollowed out or carved pumpkin this year, take heed of a few tips and tricks to make sure it lasts well beyond the last days of October. Here are just a few ways to make your jack-o-lantern or carved pumpkin last longer than Halloween:

Invest in a pumpkin preservation kit. The Pumpkin Dunk'N kit is just one example of these, and variations are found at most grocery stores. This little packet is a pumpkin preserver, and mixes with fresh water where you soak your masterpiece for a straight 24 hours. The solution prevents the pumpkin from sagging, wrinkling, and wilting away; it also prevents mold and fungus buildup, and leaves your pumpkin looking like it's made of plastic or acrylic instead.

Use the magic of Vaseline. Petroleum jelly works its magic with a simple application inside of your pumpkin. Just apply a generous scoop of Vaseline to the inside of your pumpkin to keep it firm for weeks, and make sure all of the cut areas are completely covered.

Make a lemon juice spritzer. Mix together equal parts of lemon juice and water and spray away on both the inside and outside of your pumpkin. The acid mixture helps preserve your pumpkin and hardens the outside for increased protection against the elements.

Refrigerate it. A simple way to protect your artwork is simply to spray the entire pumpkin with water and leave it in the refrigerator overnight. You can do this with the smaller pumpkins so they're not trying to battle out the cold temperature each night.

Cover it with plastic. If you want to keep your pumpkin looking shiny and new on Halloween, you can still carve it and place it outside, only wrap it up tight in clear plastic. This will help keep the pumpkin crisp and fresh, and will also prevent any mold buildup as you countdown to the big night.