Halloween pumpkins can be dangerous for hedgehogs, but there is a way to dispose of them that is beneficial for the environment and wildlife, according to a gardening expert
Vita Molyneux Travel reporter
15:54, 29 Oct 2025
Gardeners urged to do one simple task to help hedgehogs this autumn(Image: Malorny via Getty Images)
Halloween, which falls on Friday, October 31, often leaves many households with leftover hollowed-out pumpkins once the celebrations are over. Many people believe that throwing them into the garden for animals to feast on is a great way to repurpose them.
However, pumpkins can be extremely harmful to British wildlife and could even prove fatal. For hedgehogs in particular, consuming pumpkin can cause digestive issues and dehydration, potentially leading to death.
Considering the risk of extinction faced by hedgehogs in the UK, it’s vital to take measures that aid their survival, according to the Express, reports the Mirror. Josh Novell, Director of Polhill Garden Centre and gardening expert, has shared a simple technique to protect animals while also improving the quality of your garden soil.
He said: “Every year, tonnes of pumpkins end up in the bin when they could be doing wonders for your soil. Pumpkins are rich in nutrients like nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, all of which are essential for healthy plants.
“By digging them into your garden instead of throwing them away, you’re giving your soil a free, organic boost for next season.”
Instead of discarding them or adding them to the compost heap, gardeners should cut up their carved pumpkins and bury them underground. “This helps with drainage, moisture retention and plant growth, which is especially useful before winter sets in,” Josh explained.
This method also safeguards wildlife as they’re less likely to come across the pumpkin and eat it. To complete this gardening chore, you’ll initially need to make sure your Halloween pumpkins are completely clean.
Any traces of paint or glitter could be harmful to the soil, so ensure only unblemished pumpkins are used. He said: “Anything decorative or treated can contaminate the soil or harm wildlife.”
Next, make certain the pumpkin is cut into smaller pieces. “Large pieces take much longer to decompose. Cutting them into fist-sized chunks or smaller helps them break down quickly and release nutrients evenly into the soil.”
Josh added: “One of the biggest mistakes people make is scattering pumpkin pieces across the surface; that’s an open invitation for rats and slugs. Always bury your pumpkin a few inches deep in the soil as this keeps pests away and helps the microbes get to work faster.”
Make sure that if you choose to dig pumpkins into your garden that you add some dry matter as well, such as leaves or old compost. This will stop the soil from becoming slimy and will balance out the carbon and nitrogen levels in the soil.
If you want to leave pumpkin out for wildlife in the garden, be careful, Josh cautioned: “Pumpkins can upset hedgehogs’ and deers’ digestive systems. If you do want to share with wildlife, leave only small, fresh portions out for a short time and make sure they’re not mouldy.”
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