You might be hanging onto your pumpkins for the Thanksgiving menu or feast table decor, but we have a feeling a lot of y’all are itching to dump the jack-o-lanterns in order to deck those halls. We get it. So, what to do with all that gourd stash?
Make a snack-o-lantern for wildlife – cut a large hole in the side of your pumpkin, then hollow it out. Make sure the pumpkin is still firm and free of mold. Once cleaned, fill the bottom of the pumpkin with birdseed, and place wherever you would like to watch feathered friends, and probably a squirrel or two, enjoy the bounty.
Save the seeds for next year’s garden – once your seeds are completely clean of pulp, select the largest of the bunch as they’re most likely to grow and flower. Make sure they are completely dry before placing them in an envelope and storing them in a cool, dry place like the refrigerator. In the spring, anytime between May through July, find a sunny to partly shady area, and sow directly into the soil, about an inch in the ground, spaced at least five feet apart. Pumpkins are a mostly low maintenance addition to your garden, but the vines do like plenty of space to run. Added benefit, many bee species and other insects feed on pumpkin flower nectar.
Provide a special treat for local fauna – cut your pumpkin into pieces and scatter outside. Birds will feed on the flesh of pumpkins in addition to the seeds, as will squirrels, foxes, deer, and other mammals. If you do not have the yard, bring your pumpkins to The Shed this weekend and Mars Hill Farms will gladly accept whole, unpainted pumpkins which their animals will love.
Create nutritious compost – if all the above seems a bit more than you had in mind, please choose to compost your pumpkins in your own compost bin, or take advantage of The Shed regular vendor, usefull, the only refill store located in the DFW area. Right now, usefull is teaming up with Compost Carpool’s Food Project, which redirects surplus food to those in need. Again, please no paint, glue or glitter, and while the event is free, donations are welcome – suggested are $10 for up to 5 pumpkins or $20 for 6 or more.
Dates: Saturdays, Nov 2 and Nov 30
Time: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Where: usefull’s Dallas store (inside at Our Wellness Community Dallas)
207 S Tyler, Dallas, Texas 75208
Even with storms in the forecast, The Shed and The Market at DFM have you covered, literally, so come stay dry and grab seasonal items that help support local businesses.
