9. Garden Pest Repellent
- Sprinkle pieces of leftover pumpkin around your garden. Its scent can deter certain pests like slugs and snails. Replace pieces once they start to rot or attract critters.
10. Pumpkin Stock
- Use pumpkin scraps to make a flavorful stock that adds depth to soups and stews. Simmer pumpkin flesh with onions, garlic, and other vegetables for a hearty broth that’s rich in vitamins.
11. Create Pumpkin Potpourri
- Fill a small pumpkin with cinnamon sticks, cloves, and dried herbs, and use it as an all-natural air freshener. The subtle scent is perfect for fall, and it can easily be tossed in the compost when it’s done.
12. Craft Pumpkin Candles
- Hollow out a pumpkin and place a small candle or tealight inside. You can use it as a natural candle holder, or even melt wax inside to make a pumpkin-scented candle.
13. Freeze Pumpkin Cubes for Smoothies
- Cube the pumpkin, blanch it briefly, and freeze the pieces. These pumpkin cubes can be added to smoothies for a fall-inspired flavor boost, adding a natural sweetness and a nutritional kick.
14. Donate Pumpkins to Farms or Zoos
- Many farms, zoos, and animal sanctuaries welcome pumpkin donations as treats for animals. Call around to find local places that accept pumpkins and let your Halloween leftovers become a tasty snack for animals.
15. Natural Body Scrub
- Blend pumpkin puree with sugar and a bit of olive oil for a gentle body scrub. The pumpkin’s vitamins nourish your skin, and the sugar exfoliates for a spa-like experience at home.
16. Use as a Science Experiment
- For kids, let the pumpkin naturally decompose in a clear container to study the decomposition process. It’s a fascinating science project that teaches about composting and the natural breakdown of organic matter.
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