Every October, my porch turns into a pumpkin patch. Big ones, little ones, warty ones that look like they’ve seen better centuries — all lined up like autumn soldiers guarding the front door. But when Halloween’s over and my porch looks like a squash graveyard, that’s when a true prepper gets to work. Around here, nothing goes to waste — not even a slumped-over pumpkin.
Here’s what I do once the candles are out and the trick-or-treaters are gone:
- Roast the Seeds — Because Snacks Are Survival.
Do this one right after you carve your pumpkin, before it starts to collapse. Rinse the seeds, dry them, toss in olive oil and salt (or cinnamon sugar if you’re feeling fancy). They store well in jars and make a perfect snack for movie nights or long winter evenings when you need something crunchy while reading a good mystery.
- Make a Pumpkin Bird Feeder.
Cut a small pumpkin in half, scoop it clean, poke holes for twine or sturdy rope, and hang it from a branch. Fill it with birdseed and watch your feathered neighbors enjoy the buffet. It’s recycling with a view — and Mo approves, since it keeps the squirrels distracted elsewhere.
- Feed the Wildlife.
Soft pumpkins can go out near the woods for deer, squirrels, and chipmunks to enjoy. It’s a natural treat and an easy way to give back. Roxie disagrees — she thinks squirrels should earn their meals — but she’s outvoted.
- Compost the Rest.
Pumpkins break down fast and enrich your soil beautifully. Chop them into chunks, mix with leaves and veggie scraps, and you’ll have rich compost for next spring’s garden. Aunt Effie always said, “Compost is just tomorrow’s garden in disguise.”
- Mo’s Favorite — Pumpkin Pup Mash!
Pumpkin isn’t just good for people — it’s great for dogs, too! I bake a few chunks until soft, mash them, and stir a spoonful into Mo’s dinner. It’s packed with fiber and vitamins and helps keep his digestion happy. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin — no spices, sugar, or pie filling. (And if Roxie gives you the look, remind her cats don’t do pumpkin.)
- Pumpkin Potpourri (Yes, Really).
If your house smells like a pumpkin-spice candle exploded, you’re welcome. Simmer leftover pumpkin pieces with orange peel, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. It makes the kitchen smell amazing and adds a bit of moisture to the dry autumn air — two prepper wins in one pot.
- Create Pumpkin Planters.
Before your pumpkin gets too soft, hollow it out, fill it with soil, and pop in a fall flower or herb. It looks lovely on the porch for another week or two, and when it finally gives in to gravity, just set the whole thing in the compost pile.
Pumpkins remind me every year that prepping isn’t just about storing — it’s about using. Everything has value if you look twice, even the squishy things. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have seeds roasting, birds singing, and Mo licking his pumpkin bowl clean.
Stay prepped and prepared,
Pepper
