Once Halloween is over, your pumpkin doesn’t have to go straight in the bin. Whether you’ve carved yours into something spooky or kept it whole as an autumn decoration, there are plenty of ways to make the most of it. From cooking and composting to helping the birds in your garden, here are some ideas for giving your pumpkin a second life.
Before you start carving
Pumpkins aren’t just for decorating. They’re food too.
When you’re carving your pumpkin, try putting the edible pieces to one side rather than throwing them away. You could roast them with a little oil and herbs or add them to soups, pasta dishes, curries or risottos.
And don’t forget the seeds. Wash and dry them, add a little oil and your favourite seasoning, then roast them for a simple autumn snack.
Got an uncarved pumpkin?
If your pumpkin is still whole and in good condition, there are lots of ways to use it in the kitchen.
Pumpkin works well in:
- Soups and stews
- Curries and pasta dishes
- Cakes and other bakes
- Roasted vegetable dishes.
If you’re not ready to eat it yet, an uncarved pumpkin can also make a colourful autumn decoration for a little longer.
What can I do with a carved pumpkin?
If your pumpkin has already been carved and left outside, particularly if it has had a candle inside, it’s best not to eat it. But that doesn’t mean it has to go to waste.
Compost it
If you have a compost bin, chop your pumpkin into smaller pieces and add it to your compost. It will break down alongside your other compostable garden and food waste.
Make a bird feeder
You could turn part of your pumpkin into a temporary bird feeder by adding suitable bird food. Remember to remove it once the pumpkin starts to deteriorate.
Bury it in your garden
If you have a garden, you could chop up and bury your pumpkin so it can break down naturally in the soil. Remove the seeds first unless you fancy the possibility of growing pumpkins of your own.
Share it
You could also check whether a local community garden, farm or animal rescue centre is able to make use of unwanted pumpkins. Always check with them first before donating.
A few things to avoid
However you decide to get rid of your pumpkin, dispose of it responsibly.
- Don’t leave pumpkins in parks, woodland or other public spaces.
- Don’t leave them sitting outside once they begin to rot.
- If you can’t reuse or compost your pumpkin, check your local council’s guidance to find out how to dispose of food waste in your area.
Making a few small changes can help us waste less and get more from the things we already have.
So, once the costumes have been packed away and Halloween is over, think twice before throwing your pumpkin away. A tasty meal, some homemade compost or even next year’s pumpkins could be hiding inside.