you will need
- Pumpkins in different sizes and colours
- Sharp knife
- Spoon
- A container for fresh water
- Possibly a Stanley knife
- Succulents or cacti
how to make it
Cut the top of the pumpkin with a sharp knife. You won't need this funny little hat anymore! Now think about how big you want to make the hollow space in the pumpkin. How many plants do you want to fit inside? Using a spoon, hollow out the pumpkin further and further, removing threads and seeds. It's a tough job and there is a good chance you will look like an orange monster afterwards. No worries - just wash your hands to ge rid of the monster!
Also keep in mind to make room for a bowl when hollowing out your pumpkin. This will catch the water when you offer your plants something to drink. This could be the bottom of a plastic bottle - use a Stanley knife to remove it - or a small bowl from your ceramic collection.
When the hole is big enough, place the container inside the pumpkin. Inside it, place the plants with potting soil. Choose one large plant or just a cosy gathering of your favourite succulents. Like echeveria!
KEEP your PUMPKINs BEAUTIFUL FOR AS LONG AS POSSIBLE
You can't prevent your pumpkin pot from decaying over time, but you can slow down this process. With the tips below you can enjoy your pumpkin plant pot for as long as possible:
- Grease the outside of your pumpkin with Vaseline or sunflower oil. This has a water-repellent effect, so that the pumpkin is less likely to rot. An additional advantage it that this will make your pumpkin shine!
- It's best to place your pumpkins in a sheltered, relatively dark place. Avoid bright sunlight.
- Frost coming? Then put your pumpkin pot inside. Pumpkins do not tolerate extreme cold well.
- To prevent your pumpkin from moulding prematurely, place it in a container with chlorinated water. Then drain your pumpkin well and pat it completely dry. No chlorine in the house? Spraying with hairspray also works.
- Do you notice that your pumpkin is drying out or shrinking? You can place it in a container with water so that it has more volume afterwards. After the immersion bath, let your pumpkin drain well and pat it completely dry.
- Place your plant including its pot in the pumpkin. If your pumpkin pot has deteriorated over time, you can easily place the plant in a new pumpkin, or give your green friend another beautiful spot in your home or garden.
More inspiration
Looking for more autumn inspiration? Check out our article about warmly coloured plants for autumn, see our DIY for an autumnal wreath for your door and see our autumn dossier. You can also take a look at our Instagram and Facebook pages and tag us with the hashtag #thejoyofplants.
