Whole or carved pumpkins make excellent compost, but not all pumpkins should be composted.
Use these tips to compost pumpkins and turn household waste into a rich soil amendment.
Why Compost Pumpkins?
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When pumpkins are composted, they quickly transform into compost that helps plants and gardens grow better.
Cut pumpkins into smaller pieces.
Dont compost diseased plants.
Remove seeds if you dont want volunteers.
Squirrels and other wildlife will happily feast on those seeds if you place them near your bird feeder.
Mix pumpkins with carbon-rich items.
If you place pumpkins in your compost pile and totally forget about them, theyll turn into compost eventually.
Add moisture if needed.
The composting process slows down significantly if compost piles get too dry.
Ideally, piles should be about as wet as a wrung out sponge during the composting process.
If your pile feels parched, add some water to help your pumpkins break down faster.
Of course, composting picks back up again when temperatures warm in spring.
Compost directly in the garden.
Just chop up your pumpkins into small pieces and bury them directly in your beds in 12-inch-deep trenches.
Apply finished compost the right way.
