With Halloween approaching, carved pumpkins can be more than just decorations. Instead of throwing away the seeds, gardeners can use them to attract birds to their gardens.
How to Prepare Pumpkin Seeds for Birds
Emily Green, home and garden maintenance expert at Howarth Timber, 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.” For those who enjoy DIY, Green suggested creating a simple bird-feeding station using spare timber.
“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,” she said.
Keeping the Feeding Station Clean
Green advised regular maintenance of the feeding area: “Make sure you regularly clean the tray and remove any uneaten seeds, particularly during wet weather, to prevent food from becoming damp or mouldy.”
Pumpkin seeds can also benefit the garden in other ways. Gardeners can save seeds to regrow pumpkins in the spring, adding them to compost if space is limited.
Growing Pumpkins or Composting Seeds
Green noted: “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 those planning to grow pumpkins, Green recommended preparing a dedicated garden space: “A wooden raised bed can help keep the growing area separate from the rest of your garden, making it easier to maintain and preventing plants from taking over flower beds or other areas.”
If growing is not an option, seeds can be composted along with leftover pumpkin flesh. Green advised: “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.”
She added: “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.”
