How to reuse Halloween pumpkins in your garden

Brits are being encouraged to reuse their Halloween pumpkins in their gardens to prevent contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and food waste.

Experts GardeningExpress.co.uk have provided their top tips on sustainable ways to make the most of these festive decorations.

Every year tons of pumpkins are being tossed away after they’ve served their purpose as Halloween decorations.

Many people don’t know that this actually contributes to organic waste in landfills and increases methane emissions.

Green-fingered Brits can make use of leftover pumpkins’ high organic matter and nutrient content, benefiting their garden instead of simply discarding them.

Ways to repurpose carved pumpkins include composting, turning them into bird feeders, and using them as planters.

People can also use pumpkin seeds for next year’s planting and include the flesh in delicious recipes.

If the pumpkins are going to be used as decorations, then it’s best to spray them with pumpkin preservative spray or apply a layer of water-repellant lubricant to keep the moisture in and keep the pumpkin looking good for weeks.

Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Repurposing pumpkins holds numerous benefits for both your garden and the environment.

“It’s a step towards reducing organic waste and decreasing the burden on landfills, and from a gardening perspective, pumpkins are a valuable resource because they’re rich in organic matter and nutrients.

“Additionally, you can even help your local ecosystem by turning them into bird feeders or insect shelters.

“Make sure to consider the condition of the pumpkins, if they’re mouldy or rotting, it’s best to compost them rather than repurpose them in your garden.”

Here are 8 effective ways to repurpose Halloween pumpkins from the team at GardeningExpress.co.uk:

 Add them to the compost

 Pumpkins can be added to your compost pile. They are rich in organic matter and will break down over time, adding valuable nutrients to your compost.

Turn them into bird feeders

Carved pumpkins can be used as DIY bird feeders by adding some string and hanging them in your garden. Fill them with delicious bird food to attract your feathered friends to the garden.

Use them as planters

Carved pumpkins can be turned into attractive autumnal planters. Just line them with weed fabric, fill them with potting soil and plant some hardy flowers. To prevent the pumpkin from rotting, make sure to apply a water-repellent lubricant like petroleum jelly or vegetable oil.

Seasonal decorations

If your pumpkins are still in good condition, you can use them as beautiful seasonal decorations in your garden. Arrange them on pathways, steps, or near your garden beds to add a touch of autumn charm. Don’t forget to lubricate the pumpkins so they preserve better.

Create a shelter for bugs

Place small pumpkins or pumpkin halves in your garden as hiding spots for beneficial insects like ladybugs and ground beetles. These insects can protect your precious plants from hungry pests

Plant the seeds

While you’re carving out your pumpkin, harvest the seeds so you could use them for next year’s planting. Store the seeds somewhere cold and dry and save them for spring.

Cook something

Alternatively, if you can’t find use for your pumpkin leftovers in the garden but they’re still in good condition then the tastiest way to dispose of them is to eat them. Make delicious recipes like pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie or pumpkin butter.