Quote from Penny McCarthy on November 1, 2024, 9:00 am

With Halloween comes the timeless tradition of pumpkin picking, but even your jack-o'-lantern has a second life beyond the spooky season. Almost a quarter (23%) of households in the UK still discard their pumpkins in the bin.

The sustainability experts at David Wilson Homes have gathered their top tips for reusing and recycling your pumpkins to ensure a hassle-free Halloween.

Gareth Rondell, Head of Sustainability Delivery, says: “Recycling or composting your pumpkins offers many benefits, including supporting biodiversity. They can enrich your garden soil with nutrients and even be used for fun projects like cooking and baking in your new home. By disposing of them properly, we make the most of what we usually think of as waste."

Make Pumpkin Soup

“For those who enjoy spending time in the kitchen, pumpkin soup is a delicious way to recycle your Halloween jack-o'-lantern. Not only does this reduce food waste, but it also creates a nutrient-rich and delicious meal that perfectly complements the cold weather.

“Start by removing any wax or decorations from your pumpkin. According to BBC Good Food, 1kg of pumpkin is required for this recipe (roughly equivalent to a medium-sized pumpkin):

1. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pan and cook 2 finely chopped onions for 5 minutes until soft.
   2. Add 1kg of pumpkin or squash (cut into chunks) and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and softened.
   3. Pour in 700ml of vegetable or chicken stock, season with salt and pepper, then bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes until the pumpkin is very soft.
   4. Stir in 150ml of double cream, bring to a boil, and blend the soup until smooth. For extra smoothness, strain it through a fine sieve. You can freeze it for up to 2 months.
   5. For croutons, cut 4 slices of wholemeal bread into small squares. Fry in 2 tbsp olive oil until crisp.
   6. Add a handful of pumpkin seeds to the pan and toast for a few minutes.
   7. Reheat the soup, check the seasoning, and serve with the croutons and seeds, drizzling with olive oil if desired.

Composting

“Pumpkins are ideal for composting given the rich nutrients they contain. Composting them can enhance soil fertility, improve soil structure, and promote beneficial microorganisms—all of which provide a healthy environment for plants to flourish and grow.

“To prepare your pumpkin for composting, be sure to remove any decorative elements, such as candles. Then, cut the pumpkin into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition. Place your pumpkin pieces in your compost bin or heap and ensure a balanced mix by adding other compostable materials, like kitchen scraps or grass clippings.

“Be sure to turn the compost every few weeks to aerate it, helping to speed up the breakdown process. Keeping the compost pile moist will encourage the breakdown and provide rich compost to enrich your garden.”

Wildlife Feed

“Pumpkins make a delicious treat for wildlife, particularly helpful when food is scarce in the colder months.

“Ensure your pumpkin is clean of any decorations, including paint or marker pens. Then, slice the pumpkin into smaller chunks to make it easier for animals to feed. Finish by scattering the pumpkin pieces around your garden, focusing on areas where wildlife typically forages, such as near trees, shrubs, or bird feeders.

“Alternatively, you can also use string to hang pumpkin pieces from trees to act as a bird feeder.”

Pumpkin Crafts

“Pumpkin crafts are a great family-friendly activity, promoting creativity while giving your pumpkin a second life. Be sure to remove any leftover seeds or stringy bits from inside the pumpkin and scrape away any soft spots or areas of rot before using it for craft activities.

“Turn your pumpkin into a festive character, or create fun autumn designs using materials like leaves, twigs, and dried flowers. Alternatively, slice small pumpkins in half, hollow out the middle, and create space for a tea light. These make for charming, natural candle holders.

“Another option is to cut your pumpkin into thin slices and allow it to dry out. Once dried, you can use these slices for various craft projects like making garlands or framing them for natural artwork.”