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Gardeners Uncover Eco-Friendly Pumpkin Disposal Hack
29 Oct, 2025
Summary
- Pumpkins can be dangerous for British wildlife if not disposed of properly
- Gardening expert recommends burying chopped pumpkins to enrich soil
- Decorative pumpkins should be cleaned before being buried to avoid contamination
With Halloween just around the corner on October 31st, 2025, gardening experts are urging Brits to reconsider how they dispose of their hollowed-out pumpkins. According to Josh Novell, the Director of Polhill Garden Centre, tonnes of pumpkins end up in the bin each year, when they could be doing wonders for the soil.
Pumpkins are rich in essential nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, which are crucial for healthy plant growth. Instead of throwing them away or adding them to the compost heap, Novell recommends chopping up the carved pumpkins and burying them underground. This not only helps with drainage, moisture retention, and plant growth, but it also protects wildlife from the potential dangers of consuming the pumpkins.
To ensure the process is safe for the soil and animals, Novell advises gardeners to remove any decorative elements, such as paint or glitter, before burying the pumpkin pieces. He also suggests cutting the pumpkins into fist-sized chunks or smaller to help them decompose quickly and release nutrients evenly into the soil.
By following this simple gardening hack, Brits can not only nourish their gardens but also safeguard the local wildlife, which could otherwise be harmed by consuming the pumpkins.
