3 Uses for Your Jack O’Lantern Post-Halloween

Autumn is a wonderful time of year. All of the colors and traditions make for a great time. A traditional carved pumpkin on the doorstep has stood the test of time as the ultimate and quintessential October decoration. However, once Halloween has come and gone, you may wonder just what to do with your jack o'lantern once trick or treating is over. We've got some ideas that are way more fun and productive than just throwing your jack o'lantern away. Here they are:

1. Make a planter out of your pumpkin.

A carved pumpkin can naturally add some beauty and color to your yard. Add some annuals to some soil in the backyard is a great addition of color for a few days. You can just bury the whole thing. The pumpkin will naturally compost and provide fertilizer for your plants.

2. Make a treat post-Halloween.

Trick or treating may be over, but the candy doesn't have to be. Making pumpkin candy is a Mexican tradition that you can enjoy. Start with a whole pumpkin and cut it in half. Remove the seeds and guts, and cut the pumpkin into smaller chunks and remove the skin with a sharp vegetable peeler. Then cut those chunks into bite-size pieces and place those pieces in a sauce pan with just enough water to cover them. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil. After the pumpkin begins to soften, stir in one cup of brown sugar and any spices you want. (Cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and cloves work exceptionally well.) Cover again with the lid and boil until the sugar turns to syrup. Let the candies soak in the syrup over night and then place on a wire rack to dry. If you want, sprinkle with some extra sugar for a sweet treat.

3. Mix a pumpkin cocktail.

Flavored vodka has made for cocktails of  any flavor. If you can dream it you can drink it. To make a pumpkin cocktail, fill a shaker with ice and a tablespoon of pumpkin puree. Add two ounces of the flavored vodka of your choice. (We like vanilla, cinnamon and ginger.) Add a splash of lime juice and a squeeze of honey. Shake well and strain into a glass over fresh ice.

KC Landscape Curbing loves autumn, and we also enjoy making the best use of jack o'lanterns post-Halloween. For more pumpkin use and fall planting ideas, call (816) 820-0965 today.