Though pumpkins are still in style through Thanksgiving, many people get rid of their pumpkins as soon as Halloween is over. Before sending them to the landfill, consider reusing your pumpkins with these ideas from the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service:
- Cut them up/break them up (seeds, too) into small pieces and use as a compost pile addition. Make sure the pumpkin is not painted and has no glue, glitter, etc. on it.
- Use the pulp (aka the “meat” of the pumpkin, not the “strings”) to make pumpkin puree, that can be used in recipes for pies, cookies and snacks like hummus
- Dry, season and roast the seeds in the oven for an easy snack
- Place baked, unseasoned seeds in a bird feeder
- Air dry pumpkin seeds, store in a cool, dry place and plant in early summer to grow your own pumpkins
