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Halloween will soon be over, and you will be left with an unnecessary pumpkin sitting around. What can you and your preschooler do to upcycle the pumpkin? Whether the pumpkin is carved or not, there are plenty of options on what to do next.
The lifespan of a carved pumpkin depends greatly on how early it was carved and where you live. However, it can be agreed that pumpkins need to be on their way out when Halloween is over. Carved pumpkins tend to mold and decay quickly and should not be used for human consumption.
Animal Food
Animals can still consume carved pumpkins so donating to a farmer is a great and fun option. Farmers can feed them to pigs, chickens, goats, and cattle. A farmer can also use them as fertilizer. Animal sanctuaries and zoos also often accept pumpkins.
Pumpkin Planter
If your preschooler loves flowers or gardening, he would enjoy turning his pumpkin into a planter. You will need to scrape away any candle residue and line it with newspaper and packed soil. Then he can plant seeds or flowers into the pumpkin. If he plants seeds, consider burying everything which allows the seeds to also use the decomposing pumpkin as nutrients. Otherwise, you can leave the pumpkin out for a few more weeks as decoration.
Pumpkins Treats
There are many delicious options for pumpkins that have not been carved. Your preschooler may enjoy making some tasty goodies with you. Some recipes will be easier than others, but there is always something a preschooler can do to help.
Many preschoolers will enjoy scooping out the guts and seeds. As an adult, you will need to remove the pulp after softening the pumpkin in the oven. The pulp can be used to make pumpkin bread, pie, marshmallows, and even fries. Your preschooler can help by adding ingredients and mixing. She could even help choose what to make with the pulp.
There are different ways to upcycle your pumpkin after Halloween regardless of whether it is carved or not. Just because Halloween is over does not mean the fun is over and the pumpkins are destined for the dump. Take some time and make the celebration last a little longer with your preschooler.
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Want to learn more about Kids ‘R’ Kids Learning Academy of Tomball located in Tomball, Texas? Our mission is to provide secure, nurturing, and educational environments for children ages 6 weeks – 12 years. We help children to bloom into responsible, considerate, and contributing members of society. For more information, give us a call or stop by for a tour! We’d love to get to know you and your family.