How to Turn a Pumpkin into a Planter

A woman holds a pumpkin full of flowers.
Discover another use for pumpkins.

If you are looking for a great activity for the kids and family for Halloween, then look no further. October is the season of pumpkins and warm-colored flowers. Why not combine the two?

Just about anything can be turned into a flower or plant container. A pumpkin is no different. Simply cut into the top of the pumpkin, clean out the interior (like you are getting ready to carve a jack-o’-lantern), fill it with a lightweight potting soil, and start planting. Mums, kale and rudbeckia daisies are all great fall, annual plants to choose for for this project.

Take it to the next level of fun and grab some seeds to plant in the pumpkin. Kids can watch them grow! Larger seeds, like beans or nasturtiums, will also work great.

Tips:

  • To help your planter last a bit longer, use shade-loving plants, as pumpkins do not like to sit in the sun.
  • For carved pumpkins, help them last longer by giving them a bleach-water bath after carving, or apply petroleum jelly to the exteriors.