STATE COLLEGE, Miss. — Before tossing out the insides of your jack-o’-lanterns this fall, experts at the Mississippi State University Extension Service encourage residents to save those pumpkin seeds for planting or snack preparation.
According to a educational advisory shared by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians via MSU Extension, saving pumpkin seeds gives local gardeners an easy way to grow their own crop next year.
To preserve pumpkin seeds for future planting:
Dry and Store: Lay the seeds out flat on a paper towel to dry completely. Once dry, place them inside a plastic bag and store them in a refrigerator or cool location.
Planting Time: Seeds can be planted in the spring or early summer once the threat of frost has passed and soil temperatures warm up.
For residents who prefer not to replant, MSU Extension suggests alternative uses for leftover seeds:
For Wildlife: Roast seeds plain and scatter them in bird feeders to offer local wildlife a fall treat.
For Snacks: Toss seeds with desired seasonings and roast them in the oven for a healthy snack.
According to MSU Extension publications, pumpkins require warm soil and sunny conditions to thrive in Mississippi home gardens. Detailed growing guides and gardening resources are available through local county Extension offices.
