5 Ways to Recycle Halloween Pumpkins in Your Yard

Jack-o’-lanterns and pumpkins of all shapes and sizes dominate front porches and doorsteps this time of year. But once the last trick-or-treater has come and gone, what should you do with your leftover Halloween gourds?

Before you toss them into the trash, consider giving them a second life with these "tricky" tips from TurfMutt:

• Turn seeds into bird feed. Backyard birds and small critters love pumpkin seeds. Simply scoop out the seeds, let them dry completely, and scatter them on a flat tray or mix them directly into your existing bird feeders.
• Plant seeds for next year's harvest. Save a handful of seeds to plant in your garden next spring. Growing your own pumpkin patch is a rewarding project that kids especially love!
• Add them to your compost pile. Because pumpkins consist mostly of water, they decompose quickly and enrich your soil with valuable organic matter. (Pro tip: Remove all seeds first unless you want a surprise pumpkin patch!)
• Craft a natural bird feeder. Slice a pumpkin in half, hollow it out, fill it with birdseed and place it outdoors (or hang it with sturdy twine) to create an all-natural snack station for feathered visitors.
• Serve up pumpkin snacks for local wildlife. Pumpkin flesh is a nutritious seasonal treat for yard critters. Cut your unpainted pumpkin into manageable chunks and leave them in a quiet corner of your yard to see how fast they get gobbled up.

Important Note: Always make sure pumpkins are free of paint, bleach, melted candle wax, or artificial decorations before sharing them with wildlife or composting.

To learn more about the environmental benefits of the green spaces around us and how your yard helps wildlife and the planet, visit TurfMutt.com.