What to Do With Too Many Pumpkins
Every spring we tell ourselves we’re only going to plant a couple of pumpkin plants. Then summer rolls around, the vines take over half the garden, and suddenly we’re surrounded by pumpkins.
It’s a great problem to have… until you realize there’s no way your family is going to eat that many pumpkin pies.
I LOVE planting pumpkins. They are one of my favorite things to grow. I love to decorate with them, and I am totally an all things pumpkin in the fall kind of girl.
If your porch, garage, or kitchen is overflowing with pumpkins, don’t let them go to waste. There are plenty of ways to use them, preserve them, decorate with them, and even share them with others. Here are some of the best ideas for putting every pumpkin to good use.
Cook and Freeze Pumpkin Puree
One of the easiest ways to preserve pumpkins is by turning them into puree. Roast or steam the flesh until tender, blend it until smooth, then freeze it in meal-sized portions.
Homemade pumpkin puree works well in
- Pumpkin pie
- Muffins
- Pancakes
- Bread
- Cookies
- Cheesecake
- Soup
- Oatmeal
- Smoothies
Having frozen puree on hand makes fall baking much easier.
Make Pumpkin Soup
Pumpkin soup is warm, filling, and freezes well. Make a large batch and save individual portions for quick lunches or easy dinners throughout the colder months.
Bake Pumpkin Bread and Muffins
Fresh pumpkin adds moisture and flavor to baked goods. Pumpkin bread and muffins freeze beautifully, making them perfect for busy mornings or afternoon snacks.
Roast the Pumpkin Seeds
Don’t throw the seeds away. Wash them, season them with your favorite spices, and roast them until crisp. They make a healthy snack and can also be sprinkled over salads or soups.
Save Seeds for Next Year
Choose seeds from your healthiest pumpkins if they are open pollinated varieties. Wash and dry them thoroughly before storing them in a cool, dry place until spring planting.
Share Them With Friends and Family
If your garden produced more than you can use, offer a few pumpkins to neighbors, friends, family members, or coworkers. Many people are happy to receive fresh produce, especially during the fall.
Donate Them to a Food Bank
Many food banks and community meal programs accept fresh produce. If your pumpkins are in good condition, call ahead to see if they can use them.
Sell Them
Extra pumpkins can often be sold from a roadside stand, through local community Facebook groups, or at farmers markets.
Even selling a few can help cover next year’s gardening expenses.
Decorate Your Home
Pumpkins are one of the easiest decorations for autumn.
Place them
- On your front porch
- Along walkways
- Around flower beds
- On your dining table
- Beside your fireplace
- In window boxes
- Near your mailbox
Mix different sizes and colors for a beautiful fall display.
Carve Jack O’Lanterns
Save a few pumpkins for carving as Halloween gets closer. Invite family or friends over for a pumpkin carving evening and roast the seeds afterward for an easy snack.
Paint Pumpkins
Not everyone enjoys carving pumpkins (guilty). Painting them is less messy and they often last longer. This is also a fun activity for younger children.
Feed Livestock
Many farm animals enjoy pumpkins. Depending on the animal, pumpkins can often be fed to
- Chickens
- Ducks
- Goats
- Sheep
- Cows
- Pigs
Always introduce new foods gradually and make sure pumpkins are suitable for your specific animals.
Offer Them to Wildlife
After Halloween or once pumpkins begin to soften, some people place them in wooded areas for wildlife. Check your local regulations first, since feeding wildlife is discouraged or prohibited in some areas.
Compost Them
If some pumpkins become soft before you can use them, chop them into smaller pieces and add them to your compost pile. They break down well and help create nutrient-rich compost for next year’s garden.
Make Pumpkin Dog Treats
Plain cooked pumpkin is often used in homemade dog treats. You can combine pumpkin puree with oats and peanut butter to make simple baked treats for your dog.
Dry Pumpkin Slices
Pumpkin can be dehydrated for long-term storage. Once dried, the pieces can be ground into pumpkin powder or rehydrated for soups and recipes.
Make Pumpkin Butter
Pumpkin butter is delicious spread on toast, biscuits, pancakes, or stirred into oatmeal. Store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later.
Try New Pumpkin Recipes
If you usually only make pumpkin pie, branch out and try something new.
You could make
- Pumpkin chili
- Pumpkin curry
- Pumpkin risotto
- Pumpkin mac and cheese
- Pumpkin cinnamon rolls (um, yes please!)
- Pumpkin waffles
- Pumpkin granola
- Pumpkin hummus
You may discover a new family favorite.
Use Small Pumpkins as Table Decorations
Mini pumpkins make beautiful seasonal decorations for dinner parties, Thanksgiving, or everyday fall decorating. Scatter them down the center of your table or tuck them into baskets.
Create Fall Gift Baskets
Pair a small pumpkin with homemade jam, fresh bread, apple cider, or baked treats for an inexpensive seasonal gift. These make thoughtful gifts for teachers, neighbors, or friends.
Preserve Pumpkin Chunks
Instead of pureeing everything, freeze cooked pumpkin cubes. They work well in soups, stews, curries, and pasta dishes.
Make Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer
Homemade pumpkin spice creamer is easy to make using pumpkin puree, milk, and warm spices. It adds a fall flavor to your morning coffee without buying a specialty creamer.
Save One for Winter Decor
Pumpkins can last for several months if stored properly. Keep them in a cool, dry location with good air circulation. You may be able to enjoy them well into the winter season.
Grow ALL the Pumpkins
Growing too many pumpkins is a good problem to have. Whether you preserve them for future meals, decorate your home, share them with others, or compost the extras, there are plenty of ways to keep them from going to waste.
