Pumpkin carving hack that means you will never have to pay for one again

With Halloween fast approaching, an estimated 18,000 tonnes of pumpkins and their seeds are poised to be thrown away - but Britons could be overlooking a cost-cutting and eco-friendly trick by doing so. Gardening expert Mark Sage has revealed a straightforward, enjoyable method for repurposing pumpkin seeds to cut costs for future Halloweens, alongside additional tips.

Mark Sage, Head of Horticulture at B&Q, has disclosed his professional guidance on making themost of those surplus pumpkin seeds. From carving to cultivation, Mark's recommendations transform a seasonal custom into an environmentally-conscious and fulfilling horticultural venture. Mark said: "Halloween pumpkin carving is a wonderful tradition, but the seeds inside are more than just a by-product, they are a hidden opportunity!

"By rinsing, drying and storing them correctly, seeds can be saved and planted next year to grow pumpkins for another season of spook-tacular displays. If planting isn't the goal, they can simply be crushed and scattered to give soil a natural nutrient boost, or put in a birdfeeder for wildlife to enjoy. It's an easy and creative way to turn a seasonal treat into something that keeps giving, or even save a few pennies the following year when getting back into pumpkin carving season."

Carve your pumpkins with care. Mark advises: "When carving a pumpkin, keep the seeds aside rather than discarding them in order to be able to preserve and re-use. To keep them in good condition, scoop the seeds and pulp into a large bowl before separating the seeds by hand, and make sure to take extra care when handling the seeds as keeping them well preserved gives the best chance of great results!".

Then rinse and dry the seeds. Mark instructs: "It is super important for the seeds to be in good condition before planting them. To prepare them post-carving, place the seeds in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any pulp, and lay them on a dish towel or wax paper to dry overnight. To get the best results, spread seeds on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and allow them to air dry in a cool, dark place for at least a month to ensure they are completely dry."

The next important thing to consider is seed storage. Mark suggests: "Select the largest, healthiest seeds for saving, and discard any seeds with mould or damage. To keep them in good condition for re-use, store your seeds in an envelope or airtight container in the fridge. This helps preserve them for planting next year, and ensures they remain viable for up to a year!".

You can also use your leftover pumpkin as fertiliser to enrich your soil. Mark says: "If you want to grow your own pumpkins, sow your pumpkin seeds indoors from April to early May, around two to four weeks before the last expected frost. Then, when ready, plant the seeds about 2.5 cm deep in a free-draining compost mix and keep them warm and consistently moist. Once the seedlings have developed into a few leaves and the weather has warmed up (usually by late May or early June) they can be transplanted outside. Space the plants roughly 1 to 2 metres apart, allowing plenty of room for the vines to spread - it will likely take around 90 to 120 days to reach maturity, meaning that a spring sowing will provide ripe pumpkins ready to harvest in time for October!".

"If you are using leftover pumpkin seeds as a natural soil improver rather than for growing, gently crush them with a rolling pin or mortar and pestle, and scatter them evenly over the surface of compost or soil, and lightly rake them in. This helps them break down gradually, adding organic matter and nutrients as they decompose.

"During the colder months, pumpkin seeds can also be used to support local birdlife. Offer raw, unsalted seeds in your bird feeder from late autumn through winter, when natural food sources are scarce. Keep feeders clean and dry, washing them weekly with warm soapy water to prevent the spread of disease. For more information, take a look at B&Q's nurturing birds guide".