Halloween’s finally over. All the decorations have come off and festive jack-o-lanterns have had their moment. Now, we’re left with an unexpected challenge: what to do with the leftover Halloween pumpkin?
Letting them rot on the front porch is one way to make your neighbors hate you, so we definitely don’t want to do that. If you don’t have the heart to let a perfectly good pumpkin go to waste, there are plenty of ways to repurpose it.
Roast the Seeds for a Nutritious Snack
Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients, and they’re surprisingly simple to prepare.
Once you’ve scooped out the seeds, rinse them thoroughly in a colander to remove any stringy pumpkin bits. Then, pat them dry, toss them with a little oil, and season with your favorite spices—smoked paprika, garlic powder, or even a hint of cinnamon for a unique twist.
Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast them at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, giving them a good stir halfway through. This snack makes a delicious topping for salads, soups, or even granola.
Use Pumpkin Flesh in Cooking
If you carved a pumpkin, save those pieces you cut out to roast and enjoy in meals.
The pumpkin flesh works well in savory dishes like risotto or pasta, bringing a mild sweetness that balances rich, earthy flavors. To start, dice the pumpkin pieces, toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them at 400°F until tender, about 25-30 minutes.
This roasted pumpkin can be stirred into hearty fall dishes or blended with other vegetables to make a comforting soup. If you’re up for dessert, use leftover pumpkin to make homemade pumpkin bread, muffins, or even a simple pumpkin purée as a base for pies or pancakes.
Compost What You Don’t Use
One of the most eco-friendly options for your leftover Halloween pumpkin is to compost it.
Pumpkin breaks down easily, adding valuable nutrients to the compost pile, which in turn enriches the soil. Cut the pumpkin into small pieces to speed up decomposition and ensure it mixes well with other compost materials.
If you’re new to composting, make sure to remove the seeds first, or you may end up with a surprise pumpkin patch come spring! Composting not only cuts down on waste but also turns your leftover pumpkin into a resource for the garden.
Related: A Beginner’s Guide to Composting
Feed Pumpkin Scraps to Chickens
For those with chickens, pumpkin makes a great seasonal treat.
Both the seeds and the flesh are safe for chickens to eat, offering nutrients like vitamin A and antioxidants. Simply cut the pumpkin into manageable sections, remove the seeds (though some leave them in), and place it in the coop.
Chickens will peck away happily, getting a nutritious snack and helping you reduce waste. Just remember to remove any leftover pumpkin by the end of the day to prevent mold growth and avoid attracting unwanted pests.
Create a Natural Bird Feeder
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Transforming your leftover Halloween pumpkin into a bird feeder is as simple as cutting the top off to form a bowl shape, filling it with birdseed, and tying it with sturdy twine to hang from a tree branch.
Birds will flock to the feeder for an easy snack, and once they’ve had their fill, you can compost the pumpkin shell. This is a fun, seasonal way to bring a bit of wildlife into your garden, and it adds a decorative touch that feels like a continuation of Halloween’s natural vibe.
Bury the Pumpkin for Soil Enrichment
Burying your leftover Halloween pumpkin is a straightforward way to recycle nutrients directly into your garden soil.
Start by cutting the pumpkin into pieces, which speeds up the breakdown process. Dig a shallow hole in your garden bed or yard, place the pieces in the ground, and cover them with soil.
Over time, the pumpkin will decompose, enriching the soil and providing nutrients to the plants in that area. As always, remove the seeds before burying unless you’re aiming for an unplanned pumpkin patch next season!
Repurpose Pumpkin in Seasonal Décor
An uncarved pumpkin, if kept indoors or in a cool place, can last for several weeks beyond Halloween, making it an ideal seasonal decoration.
Painted or decorated with natural elements like pinecones or dried flowers, pumpkins can easily transition from Halloween to a harvest theme for Thanksgiving. Alternatively, hollow out an uncarved pumpkin to use as a vase for fresh flowers, adding an autumnal touch to your table without any extra expense.
By repurposing pumpkins this way, you extend their use and add a festive look to your home.
Donate to Local Farms or Zoos
Some farms, zoos, and wildlife centers welcome leftover pumpkins as food for animals.
Pumpkins are a nutritious treat for various animals, and many facilities gladly accept donations around this time of year. Just make sure to call ahead and confirm their policies. If they accept donations, drop off your unpainted, untreated pumpkin, knowing it’s going to a good use.
This option supports the animals and helps out facilities that rely on donated food, especially in the fall season when resources may be limited.