Today in our pumpkin explorations, we're going to be talking about something for all of you flower lovers and gardeners out there: pumpkin planters!
 |
| Pumpkin Planters at Historic Wagner Farm |
If you're looking for a decorative fall piece for your yard, or even a centerpiece for your table, pumpkin planters are a lovely and easy way to go. Ready to get your hands dirty? We'll walk you through the four simple steps to creating your own planter.
Step One
Pick out your favorite pumpkin and fall plant from a local source (hint, hint: we have pumpkins and mums for sale at the farm!). Be sure to choose a pumpkin large enough to hold the plant you wish to pot inside of it.
Step Two
Cut the top of your pumpkin off and scrape out the guts, the same way you would when preparing a jack-o-lantern. You may need to cut a larger portion of the top off than you normally would to comfortably plant your flowers. Be sure to also cut a few small holes directly in the bottom of the pumpkin to allow for proper drainage.
Step Three
Pack your pumpkin about halfway with potting soil. Here at the farm, we made sure to wet our soil while packing it gently so that the flowers would not settle deeper into the pumpkin than intended.
Step Four
Add your flowers or plant!
Your pumpkin planter should stay fresh for about two weeks. Keeping it in cooler areas and out of direct sunlight will help, but be sure it receives enough light and water for your flowers to come to full bloom. After a few weeks, you can remove your flowers from the pumpkin and replant them in a pot or garden, or just replant the entire pumpkin, flowers and all! Pumpkins decompose quickly and act as a great fertilizer for the soil in your garden or yard.
Tune in each Thursday for creative pumpkin ideas, and stop by the farm to pick up your own pumpkin and try it at home. Have a creative idea?
Tweet us your suggestions. Autumn Sale hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
