It’s not surprising to hear millions of pumpkins end up in the bin once the Halloween celebrations come to an end and we start taking down our fall decorations for another year. However, compost experts urge gardeners to not be so quick to discard pumpkins and gourds that have served a decorative purpose up until this point.

When it comes to making compost, it can be tricky to know what you can and can’t put in your compost bin. The good news is, if you grow pumpkins and grow gourds of weird and wonderful colors and patterns for your fall porch, you can repurpose these crops as compost ingredients.

By the time we reach the end of the fall season, our decorative pumpkins have started to rot after standing out in wet and cold weather and might have even been attacked by pests. It’s easy to take one look and assume they need to go in the bin. But, don’t underestimate what you can still get out of these worse-for-wear crops. Here, experts tell how to compost pumpkins correctly so you can make nutrient-rich compost for your plants and prevent these fall crops from going to waste.

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How to compost pumpkins


After Halloween, many pumpkins end up in the trash. However, compost experts advise against discarding pumpkins and gourds used for decoration. These crops can be repurposed as compost ingredients for your garden.

Pumpkins are valuable additions to compost due to their high moisture content and nutrient-rich composition. They provide essential nutrients like potassium and phosphorus, supporting microbial life necessary for decomposition.

When composting pumpkins, it’s important to properly prepare the materials and understand which parts can be composted. The skin, flesh, stem, and seeds of pumpkins can all be effectively composted, enriching the soil with organic matter.

It’s recommended to cut pumpkins into smaller pieces for quicker decomposition. Shredding the leaves and seeds can also help speed up the breakdown process. Balancing green and brown materials in your compost pile is crucial for optimal decomposition.

Be mindful of any chemicals present on pumpkins, especially if they were used for decorations. Remove wax, glitter, or paint before composting. Additionally, save pumpkin seeds for planting or consumption.

Composting pumpkins is a sustainable way to repurpose food waste and create nutrient-rich compost for your garden. By following these tips, you can prevent decorative pumpkins from going to waste and contribute to a healthier garden ecosystem.