Leftover pumpkin seeds from Halloween carving can be used to attract birds to your garden, and saving some can help you grow new pumpkins in spring.
As Halloween approaches, many households will carve pumpkins and discard the remnants. Instead of binning the seeds, home and garden maintenance expert Emily Green from Howarth Timber suggests rinsing off any remaining flesh, spreading the seeds out, and allowing them to dry thoroughly.
How to Make a Bird Feeding Station
Once dry, the seeds should be crushed into smaller pieces so they are easier for birds to eat. For those who enjoy DIY, spare timber can be used to create a simple bird-feeding station.
Green explained: "Simply start by rinsing off any remaining pumpkin flesh, then spread the seeds out and allow them to dry thoroughly."
"Once dry, crush them into smaller pieces so they're easier for birds to eat."
"If you enjoy a bit of DIY, you can also use spare timber to create a simple bird-feeding station. To do this, simply secure a small wooden platform to the top of a sturdy wooden post using outdoor screws, then fix the post firmly into the ground in a sheltered spot."
"Place a removable feeding tray on top to hold the seeds."
"Make sure you regularly clean the tray and remove any uneaten seeds, particularly during wet weather, to prevent food from becoming damp or mouldy."
Save Seeds for Spring Planting
Birds are not the only ones that can benefit from pumpkin seeds. Those looking to boost their garden next year can save seeds and replant them in spring.
Green advised: "It's a simple way to make use of something that would otherwise end up in the bin. First, rinse the seeds to remove any leftover pumpkin flesh, then spread them out and leave them to dry completely."
"Once dry, store them in a paper envelope somewhere cool and dry until you're ready to plant them in spring."
For growing pumpkins, Green recommends preparing a dedicated space in the garden. A wooden raised bed can keep the growing area separate, making it easier to maintain and preventing plants from taking over flower beds or other areas.
Composting Leftover Seeds
For those without enough space to grow pumpkins, the seeds can be added to a compost heap, along with any remaining pumpkin flesh once the season ends.
Green said: "Before adding them, crush the seeds to reduce the chance of them sprouting in your compost. You can then mix them in with other garden waste, such as fallen leaves, grass cuttings and small pieces of cardboard."
"A compost bin is particularly useful for keeping this waste contained, rather than leaving piles of garden debris exposed to the weather. It can also make it easier to manage garden waste throughout autumn and keep your outdoor space looking tidy."
