Don’t throw away your Halloween Pumpkin

Before you throw it in the bin, you might want to think again.

According to gardening expert Craig Wilson, co-founder of Gardeners Dream, there are several ways to give your Halloween pumpkin a second life, and some of them could even benefit your garden.

Here are five ideas worth trying.

1. Turn it into a bird feeder

If your pumpkin is still fresh and free from mould, it can make a temporary bird feeder.

Simply hollow it out, remove any decorations and fill it with suitable bird food. You can also dry the seeds and add them to a homemade bird food mix, provided they’re plain and unsalted.

Just remember to remove the pumpkin before it starts to rot.

2. Keep the autumn glow going

Not ready to say goodbye to your Halloween decorations?

An uncarved pumpkin can be used to hold outdoor LED lights or seasonal decorations, adding a little autumn atmosphere to a patio, balcony or garden.

Once you’re finished with it, the pumpkin can still be composted if it’s in suitable condition.

3. Make a seasonal planter

A pumpkin can also double as a rather unusual flowerpot.

Instead of planting directly into it, place small pots of autumn flowers or greenery inside the hollowed-out pumpkin.

It’s an easy way to brighten up a doorstep or patio for a little longer. Just watch for signs of softening or decay.

4. Save the seeds for next year

If you’ve ever fancied growing your own pumpkins, Halloween is a good time to start planning.

Remove the seeds, clean away the pulp and allow them to dry thoroughly before storing them somewhere cool and dry.

When the next growing season arrives, you’ll have seeds ready to plant.

Wilson points out that pumpkins can cross-pollinate with other varieties, so next year’s cropmight look a little different from the original.

5. Give your compost a boost

Perhaps the easiest option of all is to add your leftover pumpkin to the compost heap.

Remove candles, paint and decorations, then chop the pumpkin into smaller pieces to help it break down more quickly.

As it decomposes, it will add organic matter to your compost, which can eventually be used to improve your garden soil.

Wilson advises against burying a whole pumpkin directly in flower beds, as it can take a long time to decompose and may attract pests.

And if you’ve got children, saving seeds or making a planter can be a fun way to introduce them to gardening.

After all, a pumpkin doesn’t have to stop being useful just because Halloween is over.

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