11 Ways to Repurpose Your Pumpkin

Once the trick-or-treaters are gone, your pumpkins don’t have to head straight to the trash. You can compost them, feed them to animals, cook them, craft with them, or save the seeds.

From nutrient-rich compost and DIY bird feeders to pumpkin soup and homemade face masks, there are plenty of easy ways to give your leftover jack-o’-lanterns a second life. Below are 11 of the simplest.

A tidy fall yard takes more than good intentions, though. Luckily, LawnStarter’s local leaf removal pros can take the yard work off your plate.

Warning: Don’t recycle painted pumpkins. They are unsafe for consumption or composting. Painted pumpkins can still be used for craft projects, such as creating a bird feeder or table centerpiece.

11 Ways to Repurpose Your Leftover Pumpkin

The best thing to do with pumpkins after Halloween is to reuse them instead of trashing them: compost, natural fertilizer, bird feeders, planters, centerpieces, recipes, drinks, face masks, animal feed, donations, or seeds for a new patch. There’s an idea for everyone in our list:

1. Make Nutrient-Rich Compost

Composting is an environmentally-friendly way to dispose of your pumpkin without contributing to landfills, where discarded pumpkins release methane as they rot. Here’s how to do it:

1. Chop the used pumpkin into smaller pieces. This speeds up the decomposition process.

2. Add these chunks directly to your compost bin. They’ll mix with other organic waste and create a nutrient-rich compost over time.

No compost pile at home? Many communities host fall pumpkin composting or “pumpkin smash” drop-off events where you can bring your leftover pumpkins.

See Related:

• How to Use Compost in Your Yard

• What Can You Put in a Compost Bin?

2. Use Pumpkins as a Natural Fertilizer

Pumpkins are a rich source of nutrients, making them a fantastic addition to your garden or as finished compost for your lawn.

If you have a garden, consider burying small pumpkin scraps directly into the soil, especially near the root zones of plants. As they break down, the pumpkins offer a slow release of nutrients to plants. This method is particularly beneficial for sandy soils, which often struggle to retain nutrients.

To reap the natural fertilizer benefits in your lawn, add pumpkins to your compost pile (see #1 above). Then spread the finished compost on top of your lawn (called topdressing) to improve soil health and provide nutrients.

See Related:

• What is Organic Fertilizer?

• Topdressing a Lawn: The Benefits and How to Do It

3. Make Natural Bird Feeders

As temperatures drop, our feathery friends start their search for food, making it the perfect season to craft a unique bird feeder from your post-Halloween pumpkin. Here’s how to make a pumpkin bird feeder:

1. Cut off the top of your pumpkin to form a bowl-like shape and remove the insides. This creates an open space for holding birdseed.

2. Stick two rods or sticks into the sides.

3. Pour the birdseed into the bowl.

4. To hang your pumpkin bird feeder, tie durable twine or rope around the rods.

5. Find a sturdy branch and hang your creation for the birds to discover.

See Related: How to Attract Birds to Your Yard

4. Create Garden Planters

A great way to repurpose your pumpkin is as a planter for fall plants or flowers. They add a special seasonal touch to your home’s autumn decor.

To make a planter, cut off the top section of the pumpkin to create a pot shape. Then remove all the seeds and pumpkin guts before placing a potted plant inside. This will help your planter last longer.

Pumpkin planters are environmentally friendly, since over time, they naturally decompose and provide nutrients to the soil.

See Related: How to Build Container Gardens

5. Craft a Pretty Centerpiece

Turning an old pumpkin into a centerpiece is a delightful way to transition from the spooky spirit of Halloween to the warm embrace of Thanksgiving. Here’s how to make your own fall centerpiece:

1. Cut off the top in a circular pattern (or a zigzag pattern for added flair) if you’re starting with a whole pumpkin.

2. Carefully scoop out the insides, ensuring a clean, hollow space. For those with a pumpkin already carved for Halloween, you’re one step ahead.

3. Place a cup or small vase inside to hold water. This ensures longevity for your flowers and keeps the pumpkin’s inside from getting too soggy.

4. Arrange your choice of fresh, vibrant flowers and colorful fall branches. Deep reds, bright oranges, and golden yellows capture the essence of fall.

6. Cook Pumpkin Recipes

While the large pumpkins we use for Halloween decorations are not as sweet or flavorful as their pie pumpkin counterparts, they’re far from destined for the trash heap once the festivities end. In fact, pureeing these leftover pumpkins can add a nutrient-rich dimension to your cooking. Wash the pumpkin thoroughly first, since carving pumpkins are usually not grown organically and can carry surface residue.

One cup of pumpkin puree, cooked, boiled, and drained with no salt added, is low in calories, saturated fat, and sugar, according to University of Rochester Medical Center nutrition data. This means you get a low-fat, high-nutrient addition to your next meal.

If you’re looking for culinary uses for pumpkins, here are a few ideas to inspire your kitchen experiments:

• Pumpkin macaroni and cheese: Incorporate the puree for a creamier consistency and a delightful twist to this comforting dish.

• Pumpkin pancakes: Boost your breakfast with added fiber and a unique taste.

• Pumpkin soup: This colorful, warming dish is perfect for chilly fall evenings.

• Pumpkin pie: The quintessential fall dessert.

• Pumpkin bread: Ideal for tea time or as a dessert, this moist loaf is a treat.

• Roasted pumpkin seeds: Make use of your pumpkin seeds by roasting them for a tasty snack.

Don’t leave your pooch out of the after-Halloween snacks. You can use leftover pumpkin to make tasty dog treats. When introducing pumpkin to your dog’s meals, start with smaller quantities to ensure you don’t suddenly add too much fiber to your dog’s diet.

Note: A carved pumpkin that has been left on display is not safe for consumption. A jack-o’-lantern might be infested with insects, mold, or spilled candle wax.

7. Make Seasonal Drinks

Leftover pumpkins can be repurposed to create tasty fall-flavored beverages. Here are a few seasonal drink ideas:

• Pumpkin cocktails

• Pumpkin milkshakes

• Pumpkin smoothies

• Spiced pumpkin lattes

8. Make Face Masks or Scrubs

With just a few natural ingredients and a star player like pumpkin, you can treat your skin to a refreshing, spa-like experience right at home. Here’s a look at what they bring to the beauty table:

• Vitamins A, C, and E: Nourish skin and fight signs of aging.

• Antioxidants: Combat sun-induced harm and fend off premature wrinkles.

• Exfoliating properties: Help slough off dead skin cells, promoting a brighter complexion.

• Zinc and potassium: Reduce redness and soothe inflamed skin.

Here’s how to make a pumpkin face mask:

1. Blend your pumpkin (preferably baked or steamed) into a fine puree.

2. Add a drop of milk or yogurt and a teaspoon of honey.

3. Apply the mask to your skin.

4. Let it sit for around 20 minutes.

Tip: If you have sensitive skin, conduct a patch test before covering your whole face. Apply a small amount on the back of your wrist or neck, and wait for a few hours. If there’s no adverse reaction, you’re good to go.

9. Feed Farm Animals

Farm animals also can benefit from pumpkins as post-Halloween animal feed.

“Animals love pumpkin, and it is healthy for them. We donate our pumpkins to farmers, but if we have any left over, we do leave them for the wildlife,” says Jill Blase, owner of Blase Family Farm, in Rockwall, Texas.

Leftover pumpkins are a treat that many animals look forward to, including:

• Chickens

• Cows

• Deer

• Goats

• Horses

• Pigs

However, as with humans, moderation is key, and pumpkins should not be their main food source. Always ensure the pumpkins are in reasonably good condition before offering them to animals, since rotten or moldy pumpkins can be harmful.

10. Donate Your Pumpkins

Across many towns and cities, local farms, zoos, and animal sanctuaries are often more than happy to accept pumpkin donations after the spooky festivities.

“If possible, donate any pumpkins that are not treated in any way and are not moldy to a local farmer with animals,” Blase says. “Do not throw them in the trash.”

Here’s why a pumpkin donation is a thoughtful idea:

• Eco-friendly disposal: Donating ensures that your pumpkins don’t end up in landfills but instead go back to nature, contributing to the ecosystem.

• Seasonal treat for animals: Farm animals and certain wildlife enjoy munching on pumpkins. They provide nutritional value and are a fun, seasonal treat.

• Supporting local establishments: Donating pumpkins can be a small but impactful way to support local farms, zoos, and sanctuaries. It alleviates a portion of the financial burden related to purchasing feed.

Always call or check online to see if the establishment accepts pumpkin donations before heading there.

11. Start a Pumpkin Patch

If you’re a pumpkin lover, one of the most rewarding ways to give purpose to your post-Halloween pumpkin is by growing pumpkins in your own patch.

Here’s how to plant pumpkins:

1. Scoop out the seeds from the center of the pumpkin. A simple spoon or scoop will do the trick.

2. Clean the seeds thoroughly. Remove any attached pulp or fibrous strands and rinse the seeds in a colander or sieve. This discourages mold growth during storage.

3. Spread the rinsed seeds out on a paper towel or a paper plate. Ensure they are in a single layer, not clumping together. Place them in a dry place, and allow them to dry thoroughly for about a month. Wet seeds are prone to mold, so this step is critical for preserving their viability.

4. Store the seeds. Once the seeds are thoroughly dried, store them until planting season. While pumpkin seeds are hardy, you can extend their longevity and improve germination rates by refrigerating or freezing them.

5. Plant the seeds. When the time is right, usually from late May to early July depending on your region, plant your seeds in well-draining soil.

FAQs

Beyond Pumpkins and Toward a Lush Lawn

If your fall lawn isn’t thriving as you’d hoped, LawnStarter’s local leaf removal pros can clear the debris so your grass bounces back. There’s nothing better to complement those festive pumpkins than a vibrant green lawn.

Main Image: Carved Halloween pumpkins. Photo Credit: Photographee.eu / Adobe Stock