If you want to know how you can reuse pumpkin seeds in the garden then you are at the right place. What do you do with the pumpkin seeds and insides you’ve scooped out? Yourdailyplace shares three ideas for reusing pumpkin seeds in the garden to avoid waste.
“Pumpkin seeds are a great way to show children a beginner’s guide to gardening,” Here’s how it works.
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3 Ways To Reuse Pumpkin Seeds In The Garden: Short Guide
Below are 3 ways to reuse pumpkin seeds in the garden:
1. Save the Seeds for Growing Your Pumpkins
Did you know you can save the seeds from your pumpkin to grow another one for Halloween the following year? It’s a great way to save money and reduce waste.
Expert suggested soaking them in tap water to remove any pulp. After that, drain them in a colander before placing them on a dish towel and allowing them to dry completely. This should only take a few days. Once dry, store them in a jar or container in the refrigerator.
“You can plant them in the garden or in pots after two weeks.” If you intend to plant them indoors, keep them away from direct sunlight.
On the other hand, the seeds should be planted in a loose, nutrient-rich soil four inches deep just like compost. If there isn’t much rain during the winter, make sure to water them regularly so they don’t dry out.”
2. Place them in your compost bin to expedite the process.
You can use the leftover seeds in your compost pile because they are high in nitrogen and moisture.
“Composting the seeds will break down organic matter into soil that can later be used for planting other plants in your garden or landscaping projects,” an expert says.
“The shells decompose quickly in compost piles, but add some soil or straw to the pile first to speed things up.”
3. Give them to the birds
Pumpkin seeds, which are highly nutritious, can also be left out for the birds.
Birds will gobble them up, especially in autumn when they require more energy and fat to withstand the cold weather.
According to the expert, “pumpkin seeds are high in protein, iron, and zinc, and they contain essential fatty acids that help lower cholesterol levels.”
“The good news is that no preparation is required; simply scoop the seeds out of the pumpkin rind and place them in a bird feeder or dish.”
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Pumpkin Seed Saving: How to Store Pumpkin Seeds for Planting
Maybe you found the perfect pumpkin for a jack-o-lantern this year, or maybe you grew an unusual heirloom pumpkin this year and want to try growing it again next year. It is simple to save pumpkin seeds. Planting pumpkin seeds from pumpkins you’ve enjoyed ensures that you’ll be able to enjoy them again the following year.
Preserving Pumpkin Seeds
1. Scoop out the pulp and seeds from the pumpkin. Put it in a colander.
2. Submerge the colander in running water. Begin picking out the seeds from the pulp as the water runs over it. As you do so, rinse them under running water. Do not soak the pumpkin pulp in cold water.
3. There will be more seeds inside the pumpkin than you will ever be able to plant, so once you have a good amount of seeds rinsed, sort them by size. Plan on saving three times as many pumpkin seeds as you will be growing next year. Seeds that are larger have a better chance of germinating.
4. Dry the rinsed seeds with a paper towel. Make sure they are evenly spaced; otherwise, the seeds will stick together.
5. Store in a cool, dry place for one week.
6. Once the seeds have dried, store them in an envelope for planting.
How to Store Pumpkin Seeds Properly for Planting
When saving pumpkin seeds, store them so they are ready to plant the following year. Any seeds, pumpkin or otherwise, will keep best if stored in a cool, dry place.
Your refrigerator is one of the best places to store pumpkin seeds for planting next year. Fill a plastic container with your pumpkin seed envelope. Make several holes in the container’s lid to prevent condensation from forming on the inside. Place the container containing the seeds at the very back of the fridge.
Your pumpkin seeds will be ready to plant when the time comes next year. Saving pumpkin seeds is a fun family activity because even the smallest hand can assist. In addition, after properly storing pumpkin seeds for planting, children can assist in planting the seeds in your garden.
When to plant pumpkin seeds
The question ariese here is that When to plant pumpkin seeds. The answer is as follow:
There’s another important use for the pumpkin seeds you’ve extracted from your carved pumpkin… Growing the crop for next year!
Planting pumpkin seeds a month before the last frost of the year ensures that your crop is ready for late summer/autumn. Pumpkin seeds can be planted as late as May. In addition, if you grew them in a greenhouse, you should overwinter your saplings before planting them in the ground. Here’s our complete pumpkin growing guide.
Once you’ve extracted the seeds from your pumpkin, make sure they’re dry and clean before spreading them out on a paper towel and storing them in a cool, dry place for a week. After that, you can begin planting them.
FAQs
Q1. How long can you keep pumpkin seeds before planting them?
Pumpkin seeds can be stored for many years before planting if kept in a cool, dark, and dry place. Mildew, mould, and pests are your worst enemies when it comes to saving pumpkin seeds, so store them in a pest-proof container with silica gel.
Q2. How Do You Know If Pumpkin Seeds Will Grow?
When you soak pumpkin seeds in water for 10 to 15 minutes, you’ll notice that they sink. Floating seeds are infertile and should be discarded in your compost heap.