How to ripen and store pumpkins after harvest

I recently harvested my pumpkins and I wanted to know how to store them until Halloween. I researched what I needed to do and thought I'd share my findings here. So after harvesting pumpkins the first thing to do is to allow them to ripen and harden their skin. This is done by leaving them in full sun for about two weeks. Straight away I had a problem as there has been constant rain nearly everyday recently. They can be left under glass to help the process although I haven't got any at the allotment. I ended up leaving them at the allotment on a pile of straw and hoped for the best. As it happens they did ripen okay...amazingly! You will know if they have ripened and hardened off by tapping them. Once the pumpkin sounds hard upon tapping they are ready to store. Apparently pumpkins can be stored for several months in a dry, cool, well ventilated location. Mine are currently on my armchair as I live in a flat without much storage. The armchair is next to an open window so it meets the conditions for storage. I would have stored them in my shed but the shed isn't dry due to leaks and I have a feeling there is a sneaky little mouse living in there! Do mice eat pumpkins? I don't know but I don't want to take the chance.

#pumpkins #harvest #storage