What to do With Your Leftover Pumpkins

Wondering what to do with your leftover Halloween pumpkins? Here’s some options to avoid rotten jack-o-lanterns in your yard, courtesy of Pennsylvania Resources Council.

Whole, undecorated pumpkins: You can still eat these! They may have been sold as “carving” pumpkins, but they are perfectly edible (and great in soup or baked goods).

Carved pumpkins: If you already compost, you can smash them up and add them to your bin — just be sure to take the seeds out so they don’t sprout. Or, you can leave them in the woods for wildlife.

• If you don’t compost but are interested in learning how, check out the PRC’s backyard workshop. The next online session is on Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.

Pumpkin guts: You don’t want these in your compost, but you can pick out the seeds and roast them for a savory snack.

Painted / decorated pumpkins: If you cut off the decorated parts, you can dispose of these like you would the carved ones.And if none of these options work, see if your local patch will take them back. Shenot Farm in Wexford is hosting smash events this Saturday and Sunday during market hours.