Pumpkin Dos and Don’ts

Essential Tips for Post-Halloween Care

As Halloween wraps up and decorations come down, it’s the perfect time to think about eco-friendly (and tasty!) ways to make the most of our pumpkins. Here at Beechwood, we’re passionate about protecting the environment, whether through sustainable landscaping practices or mindful recycling tips. Keeping nature in balance is a key part of what we do, so let’s make sure those festive pumpkins can nourish us or our gardens instead of going to waste!

This image features a carved pumpkin with a quirky expression, paired with the question, "What should you do with your pumpkins?"

Eat Them!
Give your pumpkins a culinary second life! After scooping out the seeds, cut them into smaller pieces, drizzle with oil, and bake at 200°C for 30-40 minutes. Blend the softened pumpkin into a versatile puree—great for sweet or savoury dishes!

Baking Leftovers

Did you know pumpkin seeds are a delicious source of antioxidants, healthy fats, and minerals? After scooping, give them a quick rinse, then boil in salted water for 5 minutes. Dry them off, drizzle with oil, and season to your liking. Pop them in the oven until they’re golden brown and crisp at the edges—a perfect, healthy snack for autumn!

Golden, crunchy pumpkin seeds roasted with oil, salt, and a dash of paprika

Composting and Soil Enrichment
If eating or cooking isn’t your thing, composting is another eco-friendly way to dispose of pumpkins. Pumpkins break down quickly and enrich the soil with essential nutrients. For optimal results, chop the pumpkin into smaller pieces before adding it to your compost pile.

Burying Your Pumpkin
For those with outdoor space, burying your pumpkin is a simple and effective way to recycle it. Just dig a shallow hole in your garden and cover the pumpkin pieces with soil. It will decompose naturally, adding nutrients directly to the ground.

small pit of soil with orange peels, banana peels, and apple cores nestled inside, ready to be covered with earth 

Donate to Local Farms
Some local farms or community gardens accept pumpkin donations as feed or compost material. This keeps pumpkins from going to waste and benefits local ecosystems. Check with nearby farms to see if they’re accepting donations before dropping off your pumpkin.

Pumpkin decomposing, returning nutrients to earth.

What Not to Do
Avoid leaving pumpkins in natural areas or parks. While it may seem like a good idea, pumpkins can harm wildlife and introduce disease. Decomposing pumpkins can attract pests and disrupt local flora and fauna.

By reusing or composting pumpkins thoughtfully, we can reduce waste and enrich our gardens or help the local ecosystem—making Halloween’s end just as green as the start! 🎃