Autumn is in full swing with many people decorating their homes and gardens with seasonal produce, especially pumpkins in anticipation of Halloween – though one expert has urged caution
A gardener has urged people to be careful with their leftover pumpkins after Halloween, as there could be consequences if they’re not properly disposed of or reused in a safe way. The spookiest day of the year is just around the corner, with many people stocking up on pumpkins to decorate their homes and gardens in keeping with the annual event.
Eflorist flower and garden expert David Denyer has highlighted what gardeners shouldn’t do with their leftover pumpkins – and why. The gardener, who boasts more than 35 years of experience, said there are risks when it comes to putting pumpkins directly into soil or compost, but there are ways to reuse them without harming plants, soil health, or wildlife.
Many people leave their pumpkins to rot on beds or borders, but this can “actually cause more harm than good if not done correctly”, warns the pro. There are also many tips and tricks to help make pumpkins last longer.
David said: “Pumpkins are high in water and sugars, which means they quickly break down into a thick, slimy layer that blocks air circulation and traps moisture around plant roots. This can then encourage fungal problems, like grey mould or powdery mildew, which can also spread to your nearby plants.
“As the pumpkin decomposes, it also uses up nitrogen from the soil, which temporarily reduces the nutrients available to your plants. Rotting pumpkin flesh also ferments quickly, and the acids it releases can temporarily alter the soil’s pH, leaving nearby plants at risk of nutrient stress.”
He continued: “If you want your pumpkin to help feed your soil, compost it first so it can break down properly before being used in your garden.”
The gardening whizz also advised against putting pumpkins in the compost heap whole, with their thick rind and high water content throwing off the “balance” and “making the heap turn slimy or even anaerobic, which stops it from breaking down properly.” If you’re keen to compost pumpkins, it’s best to chop them into small pieces then mix them with dry materials such as “shredded leaves, twigs, or even cardboard”.
This helps keep the compost “aerated and prevents unpleasant smells while allowing it to decompose efficiently,” said David. The gardening expert also warned against leaving them out for wildlife as it could do “more harm than good”.
This is because of their high sugar content, which can attract rats, foxes, and pests. The acidity and mould that develops when pumpkins rot “can make hedgehogs, insects, and birds unwell”.
The expert advised putting out fresh water, bird seed or “specialist hedgehog food” if you’re keen to have a positive impact on your local ecosystem.
On how to make best use of leftover pumpkins and ensure the most benefits to wildlife and gardens, David advised composting “properly” by cutting it into smaller pieces, mixing with dry material, and allowing it to “decompose over time”.
The expert added: “Once it has broken down, it becomes a great organic soil improver that’ll help your garden retain moisture and nutrients.
“If you don’t have a compost heap, you can also bury small chunks in an unused area of your garden. This works like a green manure, adding organic matter below the surface where it can decompose safely without attracting any pests or spreading disease.”
One Reddit user echoed this thoughts: “Some animal sanctuaries are asking for them to be donated. If you decide to put them outside for wildlife, make sure you lift them off the ground so hedgehogs can’t get to them as pumpkin makes them poorly.”
