
Show Us Your Pumpkins, Billings. You Could Win $100 at Gainan’s
So many pumpkins.
Pumpkins are grown in all fifty states, but according to the US Department of Agriculture, the majority - over a billion pounds per year - are grown in just six. Illinois is the leader (by far) when it comes to pumpkin production, followed by Texas, California, Indiana, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
Not all pumpkins are the same.
I've often wondered if I can use the "guts" of my pumpkin to make pumpkin pie. You could, but you might be disappointed. The USDA points out the differences between a pie pumpkin and a carving pumpkin,
Pie pumpkins are generally smaller, denser, and sweeter than decorative pumpkins. Decorative pumpkins come in many varieties, although the orange Howden used for carving is the most common.
US growers mainly produce jack-o-lantern varieties in classic orange, but data indicates demand is rising for specialty pumpkins as consumers search for something different.
When to carve your pumpkin.
It's understandable when kids get excited about carving pumpkins. It's a fun family activity that really kicks off the Halloween season. But carving them too soon in October means they'll probably be rotten by October 31. Country Living provides some tips on making your pumpkins last longer, including spraying your carvings with a diluted bleach solution and/or smearing the inside of the gourd with petroleum jelly. It's generally ok to carve pumpkins a week before Halloween.
Mild or wild, let's see your pumpkins.
Show us your pumpkin(s) for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Gainan's Flowers, valid at Midtown and Heights locations. You can submit a picture on the Mix Mobile App (get it on the link below), you can submit photos on our Facebook or Instagram pages, or you can email them to Michael.Foth@TownsquareMedia.com. All entries have an equal chance of winning and the winner will be selected at random on Monday, October 31.

Get to Gainan's for holiday decor.
Gainan's is such a fun place to shop. Their staff is so friendly and you always find unique things. Mark your calendars for upcoming holiday events:
- 11/5 and 11/6 – “Enchanted Dream” Opening at Gainan’s Midtown Flowers
- 11/11 to 11/13 Christmas Poinsettia Plant & Gift Show at Gainan’s Heights Flowers, Garden & Patio
- 11/19 Waterford Crystal Signing Event by Master Artisan Tom Brennan Live at Gainan’s Midtown Flowers 11-2
LOOK: How Halloween has changed in the past 100 years
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