Now that October is behind us and Thanksgiving is right around the corner, it’s a good time to take down Halloween decorations and start preparing for the next holiday. If you still have pumpkins around the house, make sure you dispose of them in an eco-friendly manner. Here’s how:
Compost Bin
Pumpkins are organic waste, which means they can be added to your compost bin. However, be sure to remove any candles or other decorations before you toss it in the pile. You should also remove all of the pumpkin’s seeds if you haven’t done so already. If you leave the seeds inside the pumpkin, new pumpkins may begin to grow within your compost pile.
Bury It
Dig shallow holes into your garden and place small pieces of your Halloween pumpkins inside. Then, cover these holes with the soil and let nature takes its course. The pumpkins will eventually break down and enrich the soil, therefore improving the health of the flowers and plants in your garden.
Feed Animals
Some animals enjoy eating pumpkins, so you may want to consider feeding the wildlife in your area with your old Halloween pumpkins. Birds are drawn to pumpkin seeds, so feel free to add these to your bird feeder instead of tossing them in the trash. If you live in an area with deer, cut the pumpkin into small pieces and place them around your yard. Make sure you place the pieces of pumpkin far away from your home so the animals don’t get too close for comfort. This is a great way to celebrate the fall season with the wildlife in your backyard!
Turn Pumpkins Into Planters
Instead of getting rid of Halloween pumpkins, put them to good use around your home. If you haven’t done so already, cut the top part of the pumpkin off and remove all of the fibrous strands and seeds. Now that the pumpkin has been hollowed, fill it with your favorite flowers or plant and use it as a decorative planter. If you’ve already carved a spooky face into the side of the pumpkin, be sure to line the insides with burlap or landscaping cloth to prevent the soil from falling out. This is the perfect way to decorate the outside of your home for the fall season.
Eat It
Pumpkins that have not started to decay yet are still edible. One way to enjoy the pumpkins after Halloween is to make pickled rind. Remove the orange skin with a vegetable peeler and then cut the rind into two-inch squares. Put these pieces, along with 2.5 cups of sugar, 2 cups of white vinegar, and a small piece of ginger into a large pot. Next, bring the pot to a boil and continue cooking until the pumpkin pieces have become tender. Then, place the pumpkin in the refrigerator overnight so it can cool down before you dig into this tasty snack.
Keep these tips in mind as you start to take down your Halloween decorations. There are plenty of ways to reuse or responsibly dispose of Halloween pumpkins, so don’t let them end up in the trash can!