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AMES -- As Halloween decorations come down, pumpkins do not have to go to the landfill. “Pumpkins are biodegradable and surprisingly useful even after Halloween,” said Aaron Steil, consumer horticulture extension specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Whether they end up in the kitchen, compost pile or garden, there are usually better options than throwing them away.”
A jack-o’-lantern typically remains attractive for only a few days to a week after carving, depending on weather conditions. Warm temperatures speed decay and mold development. Uncarved pumpkins last much longer. When mature fruits are kept dry and protected from freezing temperatures, they may remain in good condition for several weeks or even months. Many pumpkins and gourds used for fall decorating in October can remain attractive through Thanksgiving.
If a pumpkin is firm, uncarved and free of rot, it may still be suitable for cooking. Pie pumpkins and other culinary varieties are best for baking, soups, purees and other recipes. While large orange pumpkins commonly used for jack-o’-lanterns are edible, their flesh tends to be watery, stringy and less sweet than varieties bred specifically for cooking.
Painted pumpkins, pumpkins treated with decorative materials, and fruits that show signs of decay should not be eaten.
Composting is one of the easiest ways to recycle pumpkins. Chopping or crushing pumpkins before adding them to a compost pile speeds decomposition.
Because pumpkins are moist and rich in nitrogen, they should be mixed with carbon-rich materials, such as dry leaves, straw, shredded paper or dried garden debris. This also helps reduce odors and discourages raccoons, rodents and other animals from digging through the pile.
Homeowners who do not compost can bury pumpkin pieces directly in garden beds. Covering the material with several inches of soil allows it to gradually break down and add organic matter to the soil.
Gardeners can save seeds from fully mature pumpkins for planting the following year. After removing the seeds, rinse away the pulp and strings, then dry them in a single layer for one to two weeks in a warm, well-ventilated location out of direct sunlight.
Once completely dry, store seeds in a sealed container, such as a glass jar, plastic container or other airtight container. Place in a cool, dry location like a refrigerator, basement or unheated closet. Properly stored pumpkin seeds often remain viable for four to six years.
Pumpkins can provide a temporary food source for wildlife. Splitting pumpkins into smaller pieces makes them easier for animals to access. Deer, squirrels, rabbits and some bird species may feed on the flesh or seeds.
Pumpkins should only be placed on private property. Dumping pumpkins in parks, woodlands, waterways or other natural areas is discouraged because it can attract animals to inappropriate locations and create litter problems.
Once pumpkins become soft, moldy or begin collapsing, they should be removed from porches and entryways. At that point, composting or burial in the landscape are typically the best disposal options.