Halloween is over and it’s time to put that Jack-O-Lantern to better use. At Back Home on the Farm, we smash all pumpkins at the end of the season and give the bits to our farm critters. Here are some great ways to reuse your holiday pumpkins!
Awesome Compost
Turn your decaying Jack-O-Lanterns into plant-loving compost for your garden. Begin by removing all candles or battery-operated tea lights along with any other decorations attached to the pumpkin (ribbons, googly eyes, etc.). Please note, pumpkins that have been painted, coated in sealant, or covered in glitter cannot be composted. Be sure to remove all the pumpkin seeds as well. No need to start a pumpkin patch in your compost bin!
Fall Feeder
Hollow out one side of your leftover pumpkin and fill with bird seed. If you have a bunch of baby pumpkins, you can tie a bit of cord at the top and hang the small feeders from trees in your yard. The birds will LOVE them!
Critter Treats
Do you have cows, goats, pigs? Maybe just wild birds and squirrels? All kinds of animals would be very happy to munch on your leftover pumpkins.Our farm animals LOVE pumpkins! Pumpkins are an excellent source of source of vitamin E, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and essential fatty acids.
Visit our blog for more fun pumpkin tips!
