What to Do With Your Leftover Porch Pumpkins

PUBLISHED ON || NOVEMBER 1, 2019

What to Do With Your Leftover Porch Pumpkins

Pumpkins are the star of fall décor—lined up on porches, tucked beside hay bales, or carved into glowing jack-o’-lanterns. But once the season ends, you might be left staring at a collection of pumpkins that feel too good to toss in the trash. The good news? Pumpkins are incredibly versatile, and with a little creativity, you can put them to use in eco-friendly, practical, and even tasty ways. Here are some of the best things to do with your leftover porch pumpkins.

1. Feed the Birds and Wildlife

If your pumpkins are uncarved and free from paint, wax, or chemicals, they can make a nutritious snack for neighborhood wildlife. Cut your pumpkin into chunks and leave them in your yard for birds, squirrels, deer, and other critters to enjoy. You can even scoop out the seeds, roast them lightly, and scatter them for wild birds—they love them! Just be sure to avoid leaving pumpkins out too long, as they can rot quickly and attract pests.

2. Bake a Homemade Pumpkin Pie

Uncarved pumpkins, especially sugar pumpkins or pie pumpkins, can be turned into delicious homemade pie filling. To do this, cut the pumpkin in half, scoop out the seeds, and roast the flesh until tender. Blend it into a smooth purée and use it in your favorite pie recipe. Beyond pie, the purée can also go into soups, muffins, breads, or even smoothies. It’s a great way to extend that cozy fall flavor into the winter months.

3. Make Pumpkin Powder

If you want to get really creative (and save space in your pantry), consider turning your pumpkin into a shelf-stable powder. Here’s how:

• Slice your pumpkin thinly and dehydrate it until it’s completely dry.

• Blend the dried pieces into a fine powder.

• Run the powder through a sifter to remove any larger chunks.

Pumpkin powder can be used in baking, added to oatmeal, blended into smoothies, or stirred into soups and sauces for extra nutrition and flavor. It’s a clever way to preserve your pumpkins long after the season ends.

4. Compost It

If your pumpkins aren’t edible anymore, composting is the next best option. Pumpkins break down quickly and add valuable nutrients to your compost pile. Smash them into smaller pieces to speed up decomposition, and mix them with dry leaves or other brown materials for balance. Even if you don’t compost at home, some communities offer pumpkin collection programs after Halloween.

5. Use Them as Planters

Another fun way to repurpose pumpkins is to turn them into natural planters. Cut off the top, hollow out the inside, and fill the shell with soil and plants. You can use them as temporary autumn planters for mums, succulents, or herbs. Once the pumpkin begins to break down, you can bury the whole thing in your garden to enrich the soil.

6. Donate to Farms or Zoos

Many local farms, animal sanctuaries, and even zoos happily accept leftover pumpkins as animal feed. Goats, pigs, chickens, and other animals love them, and it’s a great way to make sure your pumpkins don’t go to waste.

Final Thoughts
Your porch pumpkins don’t have to end up in the trash. Whether you turn them into food, a useful powder, compost, or a treat for local animals, there are plenty of eco-friendly and fun ways to reuse them. With just a little effort, your pumpkins can continue bringing value long after the last autumn leaf has fallen.