Reuse pumpkins to provide ‘valuable nutrients’ in the garden - ‘numerous’ benefits
Every year lots of pumpkins are thrown away having served their purpose as Halloween decorations. A gardening expert has shared how Britons can reuse their pumpkins in their gardens.
Monty Don gives tips on planting pumpkins
Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Repurposing pumpkins holds numerous benefits for both your garden and the environment.
“It’s a step towards reducing organic waste and decreasing the burden on landfills, and from a gardening perspective, pumpkins are a valuable resource because they’re rich in organic matter and nutrients.
“Additionally, you can even help your local ecosystem by turning them into bird feeders or insect shelters.
“Make sure to consider the condition of the pumpkins, if they’re mouldy or rotting, it's best to compost them rather than repurpose them in your garden.”
1. Add to compost
Pumpkins can easily be added to compost piles because they are incredibly rich in organic matter, and will break down over time.
According to the expert, pumpkins will add “valuable nutrients” when placed into the compost.
2. Turn them into bird feeders
Chris explained: “Carved pumpkins can be used as DIY bird feeders by adding some string and hanging them in your garden.
“Fill them with delicious bird food to attract your feathered friends to the garden.”
3. Use them as planters
Carved pumpkins can be easily turned into attractive garden planters when lined with weed fabric and filled with potting soil.
Don't miss...
£2 DIY method to ‘retain the heat’ in your home this winter and reduce bills [LATEST]
Three garden plants to prune ‘now’ to ‘promote growth’ and ‘flowering’ next year [COMMENT]
‘Tried and tested’ 29p method to kill patio weeds ‘within two days’ [EXPLAINER]
The expert recommended planting some hardy flowers for some autumnal colour in the garden.
He added: “To prevent the pumpkin from rotting, make sure to apply a water-repellent lubricant like petroleum jelly or vegetable oil.”
4. Create a shelter for bugs
The gardening pro continued: “Place small pumpkins or pumpkin halves in your garden as hiding spots for beneficial insects like ladybugs and ground beetles. These insects can protect your precious plants from hungry pests.”
5. Plant the seeds
When carving the pumpkin, make sure to save the seeds as they can be used for next year’s planting.
Britons should store the seeds somewhere cold and dry, saving them to plant next spring.
6. Cook something
Chris noted: “Alternatively, if you can’t find use for your pumpkin leftovers in the garden but they’re still in good condition then the tastiest way to dispose of them is to eat them.
“Make delicious recipes like pumpkin soup, pumpkin pie or pumpkin butter.”