After Halloween ends and November arrives, many Vermont homes find themselves with pumpkins that are looking a little worse for wear.
Instead of tossing these saggy gourds into the trash, you can give them a second life in ways that help your garden, local wildlife, and even your kitchen. Getting creative with past-peak pumpkins is both fun and eco-friendly!
1. Turn Them Into Compost Gold
Old pumpkins break down quickly and add valuable nutrients to your compost pile. Chop them into smaller chunks so they decompose faster and mix better with other materials.
Vermont’s cool autumn weather creates perfect conditions for composting. Your spring garden will thank you when you spread that rich, dark compost around your plants.
Just remember to remove any candle wax or decorations first!
2. Create A Bird Feeder Station
Carve out a fresh opening in your pumpkin and fill it with birdseed to make an all-natural feeder. Birds love the seeds inside, and the pumpkin itself provides shelter from Vermont’s chilly autumn winds.
Hang it from a sturdy branch or place it on a flat surface in your yard. As winter approaches, migratory birds especially appreciate these extra food sources.
Watch chickadees, nuthatches, and finches stop by for snacks!
3. Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree
If your pumpkin still looks decent inside, scoop out the flesh and cook it down into homemade puree. Sugar pumpkins work best, but even carving pumpkins can be used if they’re not too far gone.
Roast the chunks until soft, then blend until smooth. This puree works wonderfully in pies, breads, soups, and pancakes throughout the winter months.
Freeze extras in freezer bags for later use!
4. Build A Garden Planter
Hollow out your pumpkin completely and use it as a unique autumn planter for hardy fall flowers like mums or pansies. The natural orange color creates a beautiful contrast with purple, yellow, and white blooms.
Poke a few drainage holes in the bottom so water doesn’t collect inside. Your pumpkin planter will last several weeks as a charming porch decoration.
Once it breaks down, compost the whole thing together!
5. Bury Them In Your Garden Beds
Chop your old pumpkins into chunks and bury them directly in empty garden beds for next season. This method, called trench composting, enriches the soil as the pumpkin decomposes over winter.
Vermont’s freeze-thaw cycles help break down the organic matter even faster. By spring planting time, those pumpkin pieces will have transformed into nutrient-rich soil amendments.
Your tomatoes and squash will grow stronger because of it!
6. Roast The Seeds For Snacking
Don’t forget about those nutritious seeds hiding inside! Rinse them clean, toss with olive oil and your favorite seasonings, then roast at 300 degrees until golden and crunchy.
Pumpkin seeds pack protein, healthy fats, and minerals into every handful. They make excellent snacks for hiking Vermont’s beautiful fall trails or munching during homework time.
Try flavors like cinnamon-sugar, garlic-parmesan, or spicy cayenne!
7. Create Pumpkin Soup For Cozy Nights
Transform slightly soft pumpkins into delicious, warming soup perfect for Vermont’s chilly evenings. Roast the pumpkin flesh with onions, garlic, and vegetable broth, then blend until silky smooth.
Add cream, maple syrup, and warming spices like nutmeg and cinnamon for authentic Vermont flavor. This hearty soup freezes beautifully, giving you comfort food ready for busy winter weeknights.
Serve with crusty bread and enjoy by the fireplace!
8. Make Pumpkin Spice Dog Treats
Your furry friend can enjoy pumpkin too! Mix cooked pumpkin with whole wheat flour, eggs, and a touch of peanut butter to create healthy homemade dog biscuits.
Pumpkin aids digestion and provides fiber that’s good for dogs’ stomachs. Cut the dough into fun shapes and bake until firm.
Vermont dogs working hard on hiking trails and outdoor adventures deserve special treats. Store extras in the refrigerator for up to two weeks!
9. Start A Worm Composting Bin
Red wiggler worms absolutely devour pumpkin flesh, making it perfect for vermicomposting systems. Chop the pumpkin into small cubes so worms can process it more easily.
Worm bins work great indoors during Vermont’s harsh winters when outdoor composting slows down. The resulting worm castings create incredibly rich fertilizer for houseplants and spring seedlings.
Just don’t overfeed your worms or the bin might develop odor issues!
10. Brew Pumpkin Skin Tea
Believe it or not, pumpkin skins can be washed, dried, and brewed into a surprisingly pleasant herbal tea. The skins contain antioxidants and create a mild, earthy flavor when steeped.
Add cinnamon, ginger, or cloves for extra warmth and taste. Vermont’s long winter months call for creative hot beverages to stay cozy.
Dry the cleaned skins thoroughly before storing in airtight containers for future brewing sessions throughout the season!