How to Reuse Your Pumpkins This October: Creative and Sustainable Ideas for Fall

Pumpkins are a quintessential symbol of October and fall festivities. Whether you’ve picked out the perfect pumpkins for carving spooky faces, decorating your front porch, or making delicious fall recipes, there always seems to be a few left over as the month draws to a close. Rather than letting them go to waste, there are many creative and sustainable ways to reuse your pumpkins after Halloween or once the season winds down.

Here’s how you can give your pumpkins a second life this October, whether through food, crafts, or eco-friendly options.

1. Make a Pumpkin Puree for Fall Recipes

One of the best ways to reuse your pumpkin is by transforming it into homemade pumpkin puree. This puree can be used in a variety of delicious autumn recipes like pies, soups, muffins, and even smoothies. Here's how to do it:

• How to Make Pumpkin Puree:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cut your pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds (save them for roasting—more on that later!).
  3. Place the pumpkin halves cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes until the flesh is soft.
  4. Once cooled, scoop out the flesh and blend it until smooth.

This homemade pumpkin puree can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for future use. It’s a simple, cost-effective way to reduce food waste while whipping up fall-inspired treats like pumpkin bread, lattes, or even a homemade pumpkin-spiced sauce.

2. Create a Pumpkin Bird Feeder

Turn your pumpkin into a charming bird feeder, providing a food source for wildlife as the colder months set in. It’s a fun and eco-friendly way to reuse your pumpkin while attracting birds to your garden or backyard.

• How to Make a Pumpkin Bird Feeder:
  1. Cut your pumpkin in half horizontally.
  2. Scoop out the flesh, leaving about an inch of pumpkin around the edges for support.
  3. Use wooden skewers or twine to create perches by sticking them through the pumpkin near the bottom.
  4. Fill the pumpkin with birdseed and hang it from a tree using sturdy twine or place it on a flat surface outside.

This DIY bird feeder is not only a beautiful fall decoration but also helps sustain your local wildlife through the season. As an added bonus, the pumpkin will naturally decompose, feeding your garden as it breaks down.

3. Use Pumpkins as Planters

If you love gardening or just want to add a seasonal touch to your home, you can repurpose your pumpkin as a planter for autumn flowers, herbs, or succulents. Pumpkin planters look rustic and charming, perfect for fall decor, and can last for weeks before they naturally decompose.

• How to Make a Pumpkin Planter:
  1. Cut the top off your pumpkin and hollow out the insides.
  2. Add a layer of gravel or small stones at the bottom to aid with drainage.
  3. Fill the pumpkin with potting soil and plant your favorite fall flowers or herbs (such as mums, pansies, or thyme).
  4. Place the pumpkin planter on your porch or balcony for a festive touch.

Once the pumpkin starts to decompose, you can transfer the plants to a more permanent container and compost the pumpkin.

This October, instead of tossing your pumpkins when the festivities end, get creative and find ways to reuse them in sustainable and fun ways. Whether you’re making a delicious pumpkin puree, crafting a bird feeder, or turning your pumpkin into a DIY beauty treatment, there are endless possibilities for extending the life of your fall pumpkins.

Not only will you reduce waste, but you’ll also enjoy the many benefits that pumpkins can offer, from tasty snacks to eco-friendly decor. Happy autumn! 🎃🍂