How To Carve Pumpkins For Longevity In Lubbock's Climate

Keep the Stem—It’s the Pumpkin’s Lifeline

If you’re planning a little pumpkin carving fun here in Lubbock this week, there’s one important tip that could make your jack-o’-lantern last a whole lot longer: don’t cut the top off!

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I know—it’s tradition. We’ve all done it since we were kids. But experts (and plenty of seasoned carvers across West Texas) say that cutting the bottom or the back of the pumpkin instead of the stem is the way to go. Why? Because that stem was literally how your pumpkin got its nutrients from the vine. When you leave it intact, it helps keep the pumpkin sealed up and slows down the rotting process.

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So, in short—don’t decapitate your pumpkin. Cut its “butt” instead.

How to Make Your Pumpkin Last in West Texas

We all know that October in Lubbock can be a little unpredictable. Some years it’s sweater weather, other years it feels like summer just refuses to leave. That warm, dry climate can make your pumpkin age faster than candy disappears from your trick-or-treat bowl.

To keep it fresh:

Wait until the week of Halloween to carve—especially in warmer temps.
Use the right tools—a pumpkin carving kit from Walmart or a local hardware store works great.
Scoop out all the “goop”—leftover moisture inside can make it rot faster.
Coat the edges with a little petroleum jelly or a spritz of water and bleach mix to keep it hydrated.
Skip the candle—use a flameless light or LED for safety and to keep the pumpkin from drying out.

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Make It a Lubbock Tradition

Whether you’re carving pumpkins with the kids, decorating for your neighborhood Trunk or Treat, or just setting one on the porch for the trick-or-treaters, a little extra care goes a long way.

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So before you grab that knife and pop the top off, remember—the stem is the secret to a long-lasting pumpkin.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll take any excuse to make carving day into a full-blown party! Turn up your spooky playlist, pour some cider, and show off that West Texas creativity—because Halloween in Lubbock deserves a pumpkin that lasts.