Wondering what to do with your pumpkins after the Halloween fun is over? Don’t toss them in the trash! Instead, find ways to recycle and repurpose your pumpkins — even if they’re starting to look a little wilted.
Here are six eco-friendly ways to give your Halloween pumpkins a second life:
- Enjoy them in the kitchen
Got any leftover, uncarved pumpkins? Put them to good use in the kitchen! Toast the seeds for a healthy snack, or make fresh pumpkin puree to use in soups, pies, smoothies, or any recipe that calls for the canned version. Just be sure your pumpkins have been kept indoors and are free from bugs. Pumpkins that were used as indoor decorations are perfect for this!
- Feed backyard birds
Transform your jack-o-lantern into a seasonal bird feeder! Cut the pumpkin in half, fill the hollows with birdseed, and place it in your yard. You can even toss in some of the pumpkin seeds as an extra treat for your feathered visitors. For added flair, use twine to hang your pumpkin halves from a tree, creating a unique hanging feeder.
- Add them to your compost pile
If your pumpkin is past its prime, composting is a fantastic way to recycle it. Pumpkins are rich in nutrients and decompose quickly, especially if you smash them into smaller pieces first. Just be sure to scoop out the seeds if you don’t want surprise pumpkin plants popping up in your garden!
- Share with wildlife
Many animals enjoy pumpkins as much as we do. Place your leftover pumpkins at the edge of your yard or near wooded areas for local wildlife. Deer, squirrels, and rabbits will all appreciate the treat, especially as the weather cools. You can leave the pumpkins whole for deer or break them into pieces for smaller critters.
- Treat your chickens
Looking for a fun enrichment activity for your chickens during the colder months? Hang a pumpkin in their coop! Drill a hole through the stem, thread it with twine, and hang it up. It will keep your chickens entertained as they peck at it; plus, it’s a nutritious snack. For easier access, consider scraping the outer skin off so your flock can get to the juicy flesh inside.
- Save the seeds for next year
Why not get a head start on next year’s pumpkins? Save some seeds now, and you’ll be ready to plant when the time is right. Clean off the seeds, dry them on a tray for a few weeks, then store them in a cool, dark place until planting season. By next fall, you could be harvesting your very own pumpkins!
Looking for more seasonal tips and tricks? Your local Co-op has everything you need for a successful fall. Find the nearest location
here.
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The Cooperator.
