***This article was written by Angela Mason Foster,  Extension Master Gardener℠ volunteer of Beaufort County***

By the time the jack-o’-lanterns on your porch start to sag, many of us are ready to sweep away the cobwebs, pack up the costumes, and move into November. But before you toss that pumpkin into the trash, pause for a moment. Pumpkins have a life beyond Halloween, and with a little creativity, they can be repurposed in ways that benefit your garden, your kitchen, and even local wildlife.

Composting Pumpkins: Returning Nutrients to the Soil

One of the simplest and most environmentally friendly ways to use leftover pumpkins is to compost them. Pumpkins are loaded with nutrients, and when broken down, they enrich the soil with organic matter. Simply remove any candles, wax, or decorative paint first. If your pumpkin was carved, it may already be soft—perfect for the compost pile.

To speed up decomposition, cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces and mix it into your pile or bin with “browns” like dried leaves or straw. If you don’t have a compost pile, you can still help the soil by burying pumpkin chunks directly in your garden beds. They will decompose over the winter and feed the soil microbes that are so important for spring planting.

Feeding Wildlife: A Seasonal Treat

Pumpkins can also serve as a welcome snack for backyard wildlife. Deer, squirrels, rabbits, and even some bird species will happily nibble on pumpkin flesh and seeds. If you place your pumpkin outdoors, break it into smaller pieces so animals can access the flesh more easily. Position them away from roads or sidewalks to avoid drawing wildlife into unsafe areas.

Be cautious, however—do not leave out pumpkins that have been painted or coated in glitter. These decorative elements can be harmful if ingested. Stick with plain pumpkins or scrape off any paint before setting them outside.

If you keep chickens, they’ll also enjoy pumpkins. The flesh provides vitamins, while the seeds are a natural dewormer. Many small farms and backyard chicken keepers intentionally stockpile leftover pumpkins for this reason.

Roasting Seeds: A Snack for You

Don’t forget that pumpkin seeds are just as valuable to us as they are to wildlife. Roasting seeds is a healthy, protein-rich way to enjoy your Halloween leftovers. Scoop out the seeds, rinse them well, and spread them on a baking sheet. Toss with olive oil and salt, or experiment with seasonings such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cinnamon and sugar for a sweet version. Roast at 300°F for about 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and crispy.

Homemade roasted pumpkin seeds are an easy, nutritious snack—and a fun kitchen activity for kids, who can help rinse and season the seeds.

Seasonal Cooking: Beyond Pie

If your pumpkin was uncarved and has been stored outdoors in cool weather, it may still be perfectly edible. Small “pie pumpkins” or sugar pumpkins are especially good for cooking, but even larger varieties can be roasted and pureed for soups, breads, or muffins. Scoop out the flesh, bake it until soft, and run it through a food processor. Pumpkin puree freezes well in measured portions, ready for winter recipes.

A simple pumpkin soup—made with roasted pumpkin, onion, garlic, broth, and a splash of cream—can turn a Halloween decoration into a comforting November meal. Adding warming spices like nutmeg, cumin, or curry makes it especially inviting on chilly evenings.

Creative Uses in the Garden

Gardeners often find unique ways to make use of pumpkins. One fun option is to use a hollowed pumpkin as a natural planter. Fill it with soil and tuck in pansies, violas, or kale for a colorful fall container. When the pumpkin eventually breaks down, simply compost the whole thing.

Pumpkins can also be incorporated into holiday décor beyond Halloween. A stack of uncarved pumpkins and gourds on the porch looks festive through Thanksgiving. Paired with dried corn stalks, chrysanthemums, or evergreen boughs, they carry the season forward gracefully.

Reducing Waste, Celebrating Abundance

Every year, millions of pumpkins end up in landfills after Halloween, where they contribute to methane emissions as they rot. By finding alternative uses—composting, cooking, feeding wildlife—we not only reduce waste but also honor the harvest season. Pumpkins, after all, are more than decorations. They are a versatile crop with roots deep in North American history, cultivated for centuries by Indigenous peoples for food and seed.

So this year, instead of tossing your jack-o’-lantern in the trash on November 1, consider giving it a second life. Whether it nourishes your soil, fills a bird feeder, or becomes a pot of soup simmering on the stove, that pumpkin still has plenty to offer.

The beauty of gardening is learning to see abundance in unexpected places—even in a fading holiday decoration. With a little creativity, the humble pumpkin can carry us well beyond Halloween, reminding us that every season has something left to give.

Suggested Reading

• Barbara Pleasant, Compost Gardening – a practical guide to turning garden scraps into soil gold
• Amy Goldman, The Compleat Squash: A Passionate Grower’s Guide to Pumpkins, Squashes, and Gourds
• Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass – for its reflections on Indigenous traditions and reciprocity with the natural world

If you have questions about your home garden or landscape, reach out to Gene Fox, Consumer Horticulture Agent with the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Email Gene at gene_fox@ncsu.edu or call (252) 946-0111. Master Gardener volunteers are available on the Greenline Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to assist with your horticultural needs. Don’t forget to check out the Extension Master Gardener volunteers of Beaufort County Facebook page for additional resources.