Beyond Jack-O’-Lanterns: 11 Creative and Tasty Ways to Use Pumpkins
How to Use Your Pumpkins After Halloween
Here’s the latest Halloween scoop: Pumpkins have an afterlife just like ghosts. Whether you’re into sustainable composting, pumpkin pancakes or Pinterest-worthy holiday decor, pumpkins serve so many more purposes than just becoming Jack-o’-lanterns with scary faces. Get the most out of your money and use that pumpkin for two or three or eleven more purposes.
1. Eat Your Pumpkin
Eating your pumpkin is probably the most enjoyable way to use it. Whether it’s brewing a pumpkin spice latte, cooking up a pumpkin risotto, or snacking on roasted seeds, there’s a recipe for every part of your gourd — even those stringy guts. Head to the end of this post to get your hands on almost a dozen pumpkiny recipes.
2. Use Pumpkins as Serving Bowls
Save on decorations (and dishwashing) by using pumpkins as serving bowls for soup or cider.
3. Turn a Pumpkin into a Planter
Keep the fall festivities going by using your pumpkin as a planter for a small potted plant. The planter will last for several weeks, and then you can plant it directly in your garden to decompose.
4. Create a Pumpkin Bird Feeder
Feeling artsy? Feed your neighborhood birds (and squirrels) by making a simple bird feeder.
5. Save Them for Your Thanksgiving Table
Your pumpkins will make it to Thanksgiving as long as you choose wisely. An uncarved, healthy pumpkin can last up to 12 weeks. Plan to keep a pumpkin or two, and you’ll be all set. Use Pinterest for ideas and inspiration.
6. Make Pumpkin Snowmen
Want a really hip snowman that won’t melt? Using pumpkins can be a cute and crafty way to make it happen. And, if you’re feeling entrepreneurial, you could even try selling your creations.
7. Relax With a Pumpkin Face Mask
Out late at a Halloween party? Add this to the list of fun ways to save money with DIY beauty products! Recharge your skin with pumpkin’s good-for-you vitamins A, C and E. You’ll only need to add honey and milk (more info at the end of this list).
8. Build a Pumpkin Catapult
If you’d rather throw your pumpkin than eat it or decorate with it, try building a pumpkin catapult or trebuchet. This is not as quick and easy as most of our suggestions, but it could make for some good family or silly-friend bonding time.
9. Transform a Pumpkin Into a Canvas
Pumpkin painting is a great chance for kids to have fun creating art with pumpkins, especially if they’re a little young for carving tools. All you need is some butcher or craft paper, a few paper plates and washable paint.
10. Save the Seeds
Not a fan of eating the seeds? Instead, hold onto them to plant in your garden next spring. Kids will enjoy watering the seeds and think they’ve seen a magical trick when those little leaves start to sprout. Growing your own pumpkins will save you money — and let you enjoy even more homemade treats next year.
11. Compost Your Pumpkin
At the very least, your leftover pumpkin can help you grow an incredible garden next year. Cut it into smaller pieces and toss it in the compost pile, then mix it into your soil next spring. Head over to The Penny Hoarder for recipes and more resources to get started on your pumpkin’s next life.
