With fall in full swing, it is that time, time to start thinking about when is the best time to carve those spooky Jack-o'-lanterns and put them on your doorstep for all the neighbors to see. Here is the quandary: When is the best time to start your pumpkin carving in New York?

According to a seasonal guide to pumpkin picking, most farms in New York list prime pumpkin picking season between mid-September and late October. As temperatures drop in early November, pumpkins can soften and rot, making them harder to carve. To make sure that your masterpiece lasts longer, they suggest that you carve your pumpkins earlier rather than later.

For those looking to channel their inner pumpkin sculptor, master the carvers at Historic Hudson Valley's Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze offer some expert tips. They suggest cutting pumpkins from the bottom to scoop them out, instead of the top, to prevent the pumpkins from rotting so fast and to keep the walls intact.

Thinner walls are recommended for fancier designs, as less pulp inside the pumpkin will slow the rotting process down. To keep your pumpkins fresh, put them in a cool, shaded area and keep them off the ground to prevent rot and bug infestations.

Whether you're a pumpkin carving pro or just getting started, the best time to carve your pumpkin in New York is before the colder temperatures are here. So grab your carving instruments, go to a local farm for your perfect pumpkin, and get your carving creativity on this Halloween season!

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Gallery Credit: Chaz

Upstate NY Fall Favorites: Pumpkin Patches!

You can always count on five certain hallmarks of a beautiful Upstate New York autumn: cider donuts, fall festivals, pumpkins, fresh apple cider, and scenic beauty.

This gallery looks at the pumpkin patches of Upstate New York.

There are over a hundred places that offer fun times a pumpkin patches, whether you pick your own or go to the farm and pick up some pre-picked ones. It is always a fun time for the whole family.

So, pumpkins it is! Watch this site for galleries in the future which will highlight the other "Big 5 Autumn Favorites of Upstate New York."

Gallery Credit: Chuck DImperio

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