Monday 4 October 2021

5 ways to use up leftover pumpkin.

Hey readers, 

Many people this month with be carving a pumpkin for Halloween but you may be one of those people wondering what to do with the leftovers. 

Here are five ways you can use up a pumpkin and reduce the waste that happens after Halloween. 

5 ways to use up leftover pumpkin.

1. Feed the birds. 

A great way to use a pumpkin is to make a bird feeder.

 All you need to do is clean out the pumpkin. 
If the craving is a bit wonky on the pumpkin cut that out and make it into a bowl shape. 

Poke a dowel into the pumpkin a few inches down from the top edge you just cut.

 Push it straight out through the opposite side of the pumpkin. 

Poke the second dowel through the pumpkin so it crosses just under the first dowel. 

Cut the twine into four equal lengths.

 Tie a strand to each dowel. 

Then tie the loose ends together in a large knot at the top.

 Fill the pumpkin with birdseed, and then hang it up for the birds to get out. 

2. Pumpkin Pie. 

A classic recipe is, of course, the humble pumpkin pie that will be a hit for the sweet tooth people out there. 

Here is a brilliant recipe from BBC Good Food that keeps it simple and a classic formula to follow which makes the perfect sweet treat during October and November.

3. Pumpkin compost.

You can use pumpkin on the compost.

 If you don't have a compost pile already then find a dark and shady spot in your garden to place your hollowed-out pumpkin. 

Smash up the pumpkin with a hammer as breaking the pumpkin up into smaller pieces helps speed up the process of compost. 

Loosely place some materials such as leaves, sawdust, or wood chippings over the pumpkin. 

This will help protect the pumpkin from pests and insects whilst airing it out.

Finally, let mother nature take her course and take a few weeks for the pumpkin to turn into nutrient-rich compost for the garden. 

Then you can spread it on the plants for a winter treat. 

4. Plant it. 

An alternative way to use up the leftover pumpkin is to plant with it succulents and a great way to use as autumnal decoration for the home. 

All you need to do is clean out the pumpkin and dry it off. Then fill up the pumpkin with soil and place succulents into the pumpkin, such a fun and clever way to use a pumpkin. Below is a fun example of how to do it from Succulents and Sunshine

5 ways to use up leftover pumpkin

5. Arty.

If you have children then using the leftover pumpkin as a material to use to make art with them. 

While it’s still firm, you can use the inside flesh to make a stamp for children to take pictures with, using the seeds to add to the patterns.

What kind of things do you like to do with a leftover pumpkin? I love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below. 

Cheers for reading X 







7 comments:

  1. I don't do the whole pumpkin thing but these are great ideas anyway! Love the succulents! I have never thought to leave the seeds out for the birds either. Will do that in future.

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  2. another thing you can do is put the pumpkin in the yard or to a wooded area for animals. Most animals like pumpkins. #MMBC

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  3. Ohh! I will have to remember these ideas. We always have leftover pumpkin at the end of the month. The bird feeder is a great idea. x

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  4. We've made pumpkin pie a few times. I also tend to roast the pumpkin seeds as they make a delicious snack. I like the idea of making a bird feeder with the leftover pumpkin - might have to try that this year. #MMBC

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  5. We have a composter out back and that's where ours head every year when the holiday is done.

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  6. These are great! I love the whole Pumpkin art idea! Definitely something I could do with my kids! #kcacols

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  7. Great ideas! We went pumpkin picking yesterday. I will definitely be making a pumpkin pie with the leftovers. x

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