Halloween has come and gone, and you’re left with a wilting jack-o'-lantern or two on your porch. Instead of tossing it in the trash, there are some eco-friendly ways to repurpose your pumpkin that can be fun, educational, and a great way to give back to nature! Here are three creative ideas for making the most out of your old jack-o'-lanterns—no seeds required.
1. Pumpkin Smash Fest
Let’s face it—kids love to smash things, and pumpkins are no exception! Take the whole family outside and let everyone (yes, adults too!) have a go at smashing the pumpkin into smaller pieces. This is not only a fun stress-reliever but also a great way to speed up the pumpkin's decomposition. Breaking the pumpkin into smaller bits helps microorganisms and insects break it down more quickly, creating natural fertilizer for your garden.
Nerdy Fact: When pumpkins decompose, they release nitrogen and other nutrients that benefit the soil, feeding tiny organisms that are helping break down the organic material into compost. In fact, pumpkins are nearly 90% water, making them a great way to add moisture to compost piles that may have become dry over the fall season!
2. Wildlife Snack Station
Set your pumpkin out in the yard as a buffet for local wildlife. Deer, squirrels, raccoons, and even some types of birds (like crows) will be thrilled with this seasonal treat. Place your pumpkin on the edge of your yard, away from high-traffic areas, and check on it every few days to see who’s come by for a snack.
You can turn this into an observation activity for kids too. Set up a pair of binoculars or a wildlife camera if you have one, and note which animals visit. Discuss the types of wildlife in your area and how food sources like pumpkin can provide much-needed energy for animals preparing for winter. Be sure log what you see using a notebook or a nature journal.
Nerdy Fact: A pumpkin is a great energy source for animals because of its carbohydrate content, which provides a quick calorie boost. Mammals like raccoons are in a seasonal phase called hyperphagia, where they consume more calories than usual to fatten up before winter.
3. Pumpkin Decay Experiment
This is a fun and educational activity, especially for curious kids. Take your leftover pumpkin (whole or in pieces) and set it in a part of the yard where you can safely observe its decay over time. Grab a notebook or chart and have your kids (or your inner scientist!) keep track of its slow transformation. Make weekly observations about its color, size, texture, and any interesting fungi or bugs that might visit it.
You might notice mold, mushrooms, and even worms moving in over time, all of which play a role in breaking down organic material. Discuss with your kids how these organisms are part of the “decomposition team” that helps return nutrients to the earth.
Nerdy Fact: Decomposition is essential to the ecosystem. Insects, fungi, bacteria, and invertebrates like worms and snails help recycle nutrients back into the soil. Without these decomposers, the forest floor would be covered in debris and dead plants/ animals, and nutrients wouldn’t be returned to help new plants grow. It’s nature’s way of “closing the loop.”
Final Thought
By giving your old jack-o'-lanterns a new purpose, you’re creating a memorable post-Halloween activity, fostering a curiosity about ecology, and giving back to the environment. So, instead of throwing that pumpkin in the trash, consider one of these eco-friendly ideas—and watch as your Halloween leftovers become a small but meaningful part of nature’s cycle.
For a bit of history, more fun facts and interesting ways to use pumpkins, watch our latest NatureOlogies video Pumpkin Growing Basics & Fun Science Experiments.
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