6 Things You Can Do With Pumpkins (Besides Eat Them!)
You know it’s officially Fall when it’s practically impossible to leave your home without seeing at least one pumpkin themed item. It seems to start with pumpkin spice lattes and then eventually you see it everywhere. I even saw pumpkin spice gum the other day, no joke. Here at TaskEasy, we like to think outside the box. That’s why we are giving you our list of 6 creative things you can do with pumpkins while they’re in abundance. Pumpkins are great for a lot more than just putting in a pie!
#1 Compost
We care about your lawn so we can’t have this list and not mention compost. Did you know that a leftover pumpkin makes awesome compost? It sure does and why not use it for this purpose since that pumpkin probably was just going to go in the trash anyway? One thing to keep in mind- remove those seeds (I hear they’re good roasted..) as they most likely won’t decompose and you probably don’t want to risk growing little baby pumpkins in your compost pile. Also make sure to remove any non organic material such as candle wax or aluminum foil. We recommend breaking up the pumpkin first as this will lead to faster decomposition. Lastly, make sure to cover your pumpkin pieces with sawdust, paper, or dried leaves as to not attract insects.
#2 Make a Pumpkin Planter
Using a carved out pumpkin as a flower pot is the perfect way to make your yard look festive. It’s also genius because you can just plant the entire plant and pot right in your yard when the pumpkin starts to rot and the pumpkin will simultaneously compost and provide fertilizer for your plant. To begin, simply remove the insides (set aside and use for cooking!) and pack some potting soil into your pumpkin until it is about one-third full. If your pumpkin happens to have a face on it from previous festivities, no worries, just do some extra packing to keep the soil in place. Then, place your plant into the pumpkin and fill it with more potting soil. Just like that, you have an easy, natural decoration for your home.
#3 Pamper Yourself
Betcha never scooped out the insides of a pumpkin and thought about putting it on your face. Well, maybe you should because it turns out that the zinc and vitamins A, C, and E are great for your skin. Also, pumpkin smells wonderful so that doesn’t hurt either. First, cut your pumpkin down the middle and then scoop out the seeds and guts. Then place your pumpkin cut-side down in a baking dish with a cup of water. Bake for 90 minutes or until tender. Then, just scoop out the flesh and puree in a food processor or blender. Once you have your puree, mix 5 tablespoons of it with 3 teaspoons of brown sugar (for exfoliation) and a tiny splash of milk. Apply to your face with circular motions (be careful to not get in eyes!) and let sit for up to 20 minutes. Rince and revel in your glowing skin.
#4 Make Pumpkin Serving Bowls
Here’s an idea that will make a drab dinner spread look more fun. Why not turn those hollowed out pumpkin shells into serving bowls? It’s an easy way to create a festive spread during the Fall that is functional and decorative. Also, anything that means less dishes to do is good, right? First, just prep your pumpkin by cutting into half and brushing the insides and tops with a little vegetable oil. Then bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Then just fill with your favorite soup or dips and impress all of your dinner guests!
#5 Create a Festive Bird Feeder
This idea, just like the pumpkin planter, is another way to make your yard look more cheery. You’ll start with a hollowed out pumpkin. Then, cut off top portion and cut two small holes for rope or twine into each side of the pumpkin. Hang at your desired location and fill with bird seed. If you pumpkin happens to have a face from prior Jack O’ Lantern carving, just line the feeder with a sheet of newspaper before filling it. Your feathered friends will love it, we promise.
#6 Make a Gorgeous Vase
Wouldn’t a pumpkin filled with flowers make the perfect centerpiece for a Holiday dinner? We think so and here’s how you do it: First, you’ll need a pumpkin that’s been hollowed out. Line the inside of the pumpkin with a garbage bag. Fill with water and cut flowers of your choice. You can also decorate the outside of the pumpkin with decorating tape or paint your pumpkin to take it up a notch. Also, don’t forget to change out that water daily, things could get pretty funky otherwise.
Pumpkins are in abundance around this time of year and there’s so much you can do with them. We hope this list helps to make the season more creative and enjoyable for you. Enjoy!
