5 ways to give your pumpkins a second life after Halloween — and your garden will thank you

Halloween often leaves us with a leftover pumpkin, which can be repurposed in various ways to give it a second life in the garden. Garden expert Craig Wilson, co-founder of Gardeners Dream, shares his top five tips for making the most of your pumpkin after the holiday.

1. Create a bird feeder: Hollow out a fresh pumpkin, remove any decorations, and fill it with bird-friendly food. Save the seeds, dry them, and use them in a homemade bird food mix to help garden birds during colder months.

2. Use it as a planter: If your pumpkin is still intact, place small pots of fall plants inside it to display on your doorstep, patio, or garden. Choose plants that suit the conditions where you plan to display them.

3. Make a garden light: Use an uncarved pumpkin as a holder for outdoor LED lights or seasonal decorations to add a cozy glow to your garden seating area or patio. Once its decorative purpose is served, it can be added to your compost heap.

4. Save pumpkin seeds for next year's planting: Dry the seeds thoroughly and store them in a cool, dry place before planting next year. Be aware that the seeds might produce a slightly different variety due to cross-pollination.

5. Add it to your compost heap: Once Halloween is over, don't throw your pumpkin away. Remove any candles, holders, paint, or decorations, and chop the pumpkin into small pieces before composting. This will add organic matter to your compost and improve soil quality when ready. Avoid burying the pumpkin whole, as it may take time to break down and could attract pests.