Pumpkin Planters

A super-easy family project to brighten your doorstep!

You will need:

  • a medium sized pumpkin
  • small plant (we used Solanum pseudocapsicum (Christmas cherry) but small ornamental grasses look fabulous
  • compost or garden soil
  • kitchen knives and spoon

Step 1

Remove the top of your pumpkin with a sharp knife, this should be done by an adult. Scoop out the seeds and keep to one side

Step 2

Carefully make some drainage holes in the base of the pumpkin to avoid waterlogging – again this is a job for the grown-ups.

Step 3

Pop a little soil or compost in the base of the pumpkin, and press more up the inside walls. Gently take your plant from the pot and lower it in.

This is a temporary home for your plant, so any old compost or soil will do!

Solanum pseudocapsicum is mildly toxic – the berries can make you poorly if eaten so supervise children and make sure you wash hands after touching, or choose a different plant.

Step 4

Carefully poke more compost around the plant to firm it in.

Water the compost, letting the excess drain through the holes in the bottom. You can wipe the pumpkin clean, we chose to draw a face on ours with indelible marker.

After Hallowe’en, your plant can be moved to a permanent home in the garden, and the pumpkin composted, or put into your food waste bin (after being emptied of course!)

Pumpkin seeds are delicious roasted so don’t throw them away – wash, dry, and drizzle with oil before seasoning- we like salt, pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Spread the seeds as a single layer on a baking tray before roasting in the oven at 180oC for about 15 minutes.