As the halloween festivities draw to a close for another year, it’s time to remove your jack-o-lantern from your doorstep. While your pumpkin has served its main purpose, did you know that it is still useful? Rather than tossing it into your bin, here are a few ideas of what to do with the remains of your spooky carving glory!

Pumpkin Seeds

Whilst it might be too late and your pumpkin has been carved long ago, if there are any pumpkin seeds left there are a few things you can do with them! 

Firstly, the seeds are a delicious snack for humans, birds and even squirrels!  To roast the seeds, separate from the stringy innards and leave them to the side to dry out. Once dry, bake them in your oven for 10 minutes at 180°C. This hearty snack can be seasoned any way you like and is great in soups or on salads!

Secondly, why not plant the seeds and grow your own pumpkins for next year! The best time to plant your seeds is a month before the last frost of winter to make sure your batch is ready by October! Before you plant them, make sure you have given them enough time to dry out.

Leave it for the birds

The remains of your pumpkin are great to feed the birds in your neighbourhood! It is suggested that you transform your pumpkin into a bowl shape to allow easy access for the birds. As mentioned before, the seeds are also safe for birds to eat!

Compost

Adding your leftover pumpkin to your compost heap will help to create excellent soil. This allows your pumpkin to give back to nature, allowing other plants or vegetables to feed off its rich nutrients long after it has gone.