How to Dispose of Halloween Pumpkins

Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. I love having pumpkin carving parties with friends. Pair the night with apple cider and a bonfire, and it’s my ideal day! Just remember, many Mississippi counties are under a burn ban right now because of drought conditions. Be sure to check the status of your county on the Mississippi Forestry Commission’s website before you light your bonfire. https://www.mfc.ms.gov/burning-info/burn-bans/

As you’re carving pumpkins, set the seeds aside. They can be used in many different ways! 

• Roast them and place them in bird feeders to give your feathery friends a tasty treat. 
• You can also roast them with seasonings of your choice for a snack for you and your family. 
• If you’ve ever dreamed of growing your own pumpkins, save the seeds for them to be planted next year! Lay the seeds out flat to dry on a paper towel and place them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator or a cool place. You can plant them once the threat of frost has passed and soils have started to warm up. For more info on growing pumpkins in Mississippi, check out Extension Publication 2905, “Growing Pumpkins for the Home Garden.” http://extension.msstate.edu/publications/publications/growing-pumpkins-for-the-home-garden

After Halloween has passed and the jack-o’-lanterns have turned into something that look like they belong in a gross horror movie, what do you do with the pumpkins? Composting is a great idea! Pumpkins compost faster when broken down into small pieces. Remove any candles, wax, paint, stickers, or anything else that isn’t natural. 

You can also turn jack-o’-lanterns that haven’t severely decayed into bird feeders! Fill the hollowed-out pumpkin with birdseed and place it outside for your backyard birds to enjoy. This is a great way to extend the use of your jack-o’-lanterns!

What about painted pumpkins? How can you extend the life of painted pumpkins? Once you’re done displaying them, you can peel the pumpkin and use it for cooking! The possibilities are endless. Soups, pies, cookies, and bread are some of my favorite ways to use pumpkin in the kitchen. Just be sure you remove all exterior parts where there is paint. The Food Factor has a great crustless pumpkin pie and pumpkin spice latte you can try out! 

Want more pumpkin tips? Learn how to keep pumpkin decor fresh and which types of pumpkins are good for eating in our previous blog posts. Happy fall, y’all!