As we’re officially in the spookiest week of the season, you’re sure to have already picked your pumpkins and maybe even carved them. As Trick or Treating is off the cards this year, it’s been said that if you place your pumpkins in your window when little ones pass by they will receive a sweetie from their parent or guardian instead of the traditional door knocking.
But what can we do with our scarily good pumpkins after Halloween season has passed? Well here at Charles Clinkard we have put together a couple of ideas on how to recycle your pumpkins, so keep on reading to see which you might like to try once spooky season is over.
1. Pumpkin Soup
Though your carved pumpkins may have deflated a little after they’ve been sat outside, if you have any smaller untouched ones inside your home, these are perfect for cutting up and making into a soup. There’s plenty of recipes online which you can follow, and you can even keep your pumpkin seeds and toast them. Now you have yourself the perfect batch of soup to continue on the autumn/winter season.
2. Pumpkin Pie
Similar to the above, but more for the bakers of the family. Pumpkin pie is a huge tradition in American for Thanksgiving, but that isn’t to say you can’t make it a family favourite here in the UK too. Again, make sure to use pumpkins which have been in your home as you don’t want any critters making their way into your nice pie – that’d be something to laugh about in the future.
3. Feed the Wildlife
Squirrels are a fan of pumpkins as it helps them to fatten up for the winter, though it’s not their favourite food, it’s definitely worth taking your pumpkins to your local park for them to have a nibble on. If not, you can turn your pumpkins into bird feeders and hang them in your garden – they love the seeds too so keep those in there. Local wildlife sanctuaries, animal shelters, or Zoos would also be happy to take your pumpkins off your hands with some places even collecting them or offering drop-offs, but please refrain from giving animals any pumpkins with paint or pen on them which may harm them.
4. Create Compost
Pumpkins are great for composting as they’re mostly made from water, so they decompose very quickly. Remember to remove the seeds, but if you’d like to try your hand at growing some pumpkins for next season, just rinse the pulp away from the seeds and allow the seeds to dry. Store them in an envelope in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant.
We hope you enjoy the spookiest day of the year however you plan to spend it, and don’t forget to let us know what you do with your pumpkins.
