What to Do With Your Pumpkins After Halloween
Instead of tossing those jack-o'-lanterns in the trash, put them to good use in your home and garden.
By the time November 1 comes around, there’s a good chance you have a pumpkin or two around your house. As jack-o’-lanterns, they make great decorations, but once the carving and trick-or-treating is over, don’t just toss them in the trash. There are lots of great ways to use pumpkins in and around the yard in the weeks ahead.
What to Do With Pumpkins After Halloween
Share Pumpkin Seeds with Birds
Many people roast and eat pumpkin seeds themselves, but you can also share them with birds. Larger wild birds like blue jays love pumpkin seeds, too. Offer it on a tray feeder or just sprinkle on the ground for birds to enjoy (no salt or seasoning, please!). (Discover more ways to attract birds in your backyard.)
Turn Your Pumpkin into a Bird Feeder
Hollow out your pumpkin and fill it with birdseed for an inexpensive and easy DIY bird feeder. (If you’ve already hollowed it out and carved it as a jack-o’-lantern, the heavy lifting is done!)
Share Pumpkins with Wildlife
Offer the pumpkin pieces for wildlife like deer and rabbits.
Save Seeds to Plant in Spring
If you have a garden, set aside a handful of seeds to plant in the spring. Rinse and dry the seeds in a cool dry place for several weeks and then store until next year. (Check out our guide to growing successful seedlings.)
Make Compost
If nothing else, at least compost your pumpkins when you’re done with them. They break down nicely and offer lots of great nutrients for soil.
Use Pumpkins For Baking
It turns out even those pretty pink pumpkins are perfectly edible! Check out these healthy pumpkin recipes for inspiration.
