What happens to the pumpkins after Halloween? Instead of throwing out your pumpkins try these creative ways to get more use out of them.
10 Uses for Pumpkins after Halloween
1. Roast Pumpkin Seeds.
Preheat over to 300 degrees. Wash pumpkin seed and toss them in melted butter and salt in a bowl. Bake for 30-45 minutes stirring occasionally.
2. Give the Furry Friends a Treat.
Squirrels and deer love to snack on pumpkin. Cut it up and leave it out for the wild life. If you are not going ot use the seeds, place them in a bird feeder for the birds.
3. Make Pumpkin Butter.
There are several ways to make Pumpkin Butter and it is great on toast, in smoothies, as a dip, and more. You can store it in the fridge for 2 to 3 weeks or freeze it up to 1 year.
4. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread.
Try this delicious recipe for Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread that requires pumpkin puree which you can make with your leftover pumpkin from Halloween. Make a few batches to freeze and save for later.
5. Save your Pumpkin Seeds for next year.
Plant your own pumpkin patch next year with the seeds from you leftover pumpkin. Plant the seeds in between May and June so they are ready for October.
6. Compost It.
Cut the pumpkin up in pieces to decompose faster. Add it to the composite bin or smash it into the ground or a garden perhaps and cover with dirt and leaves. Mother nature will do her job turning into nourishing dirt.
7. Make Pumpkin Puree.
Pumpkin Puree is easy to make and is great for baking within 48 hours of making. It also freezes well if you don’t plan on using right away.
8. Use it as a Centerpiece.
Thanksgiving is around the corner. Add the uncarved pumpkins to the table to create a nice centerpiece for the holidays.
9. Use it as a Target.
A great way to practice your archery or shooting by using the pumpkin as target. If the pumpkin shatters let it decompose in the yard for nourishing soil.
10. DIY Pumpkin Facial.
Get vitamins A, D, and E from a pumpkin facial. Mixed together 2 cups pumpkin puree, 4 tbsp. plain yogurt, 4 tbsp. honey, ⅓ cup oatmeal, and ¼ tsp. olive oil. Apply to clean face for 5-10 minutes and wash it off your face.
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