Five ways to recycle Halloween pumpkins in your garden

Brits are being told how to repurpose their carved-out pumpkins in the garden instead of tossing them away after Halloween celebrations.

Experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have named five ways pumpkins can benefit the garden after they’ve served their purpose as decorations.

A survey reveals 40% of UK consumers buy pumpkins around Halloween, and two thirds of them don’t reuse them after carving but simply throw them into the general waste bin.

This means that 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins are being sent to landfill each year, contributing to the production of harmful greenhouse gas.

Pumpkins contain high organic matter which makes them a perfect addition to compost piles, breaking down in as little as eight weeks and creating nutrient-rich soil for garden plants.

If the pumpkins are still in good condition, gardeners can also turn them into fun planters or autumnal outdoor decorations.

It’s important to avoid putting out Halloween pumpkins for wildlife, especially if they’ve been used as jack-o-lanterns as the candle residue can be extremely harmful to wild creatures.

Even if they were not used as lanterns, some wildlife, particularly hedgehogs, struggle to digest pumpkin flesh, potentially leading to serious health issues.

Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “It’s a shame that tonnes of pumpkin leftovers go to landfill after Halloween each year when they can be put to great use in gardens.

“Pumpkins can be extremely beneficial to your other garden plants because they contain high organic matter and when composted, they help create fertile soil ideal for plant growth.

“Even if you don’t have a compost pile, you can also bury your pumpkin directly in your garden soil and let it decompose to add valuable nutrients into the soil.

“Other ways you can reuse pumpkins in the garden include turning them into natural planters and harvesting the seeds to grow new pumpkins for the next season.”

Here are 5 effective ways to repurpose Halloween pumpkins from the team at GardeningExpress.co.uk:

Compost pumpkins 

One of the simplest ways to repurpose Halloween pumpkins is to compost them. Pumpkins are packed with nutrients and break down quickly, making them a perfect addition to your compost pile. Make sure to remove any candle wax and cut them into smaller pieces before tossing them into the compost pile.

Bury pumpkins in the soil 

If composting is not an option, you can also bury pumpkin pieces directly into the soil. Simply dig a hole, drop in the pumpkin and cover it with soil to benefit your other plants from the rich organic matter left behind.

Turn them into planters 

Because of their shape and large size, pumpkins make great natural planters. Just line the pumpkins with weed fabric, fill them with potting soil and plant some hardy flowers. Over time the pumpkin will decompose and provide valuable nutrients directly to the plant.

Use them as outdoor decor 

If your pumpkins are still in good shape, you can use them as lovely seasonal decorations in your garden. Position them on pathways, steps, or near your garden beds to bring a touch of autumn charm.

Harvest the seeds

While you’re carving pumpkins, harvest the seeds so you can use them to grow new pumpkins for the next season. Store the seeds somewhere cold and dry and save them for spring.