“Begin doing what you want to do now. We are not living in eternity. We have only this moment, sparkling like a star in our hand - and melting like a snowflake.”
- Francis Bacon

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

One pumpkin + a little time + a potted plant = A Sweet Fall Planter for Your Porch or Entry

Pumpkin planters make great fall decorations. It’s a quick and easy project that is fun and satisfying. Pumpkin planters look great in groups or by themselves. You can use them indoors or out. I like making these because they offer a little change from the standard Halloween pumpkin lining the steps to the front door. 

Generally I will buy oodles of garden mums and use those for my pumpkin planters, but if I find something else that is pretty and on sale - it's a keeper for me!

Pumpkin container gardens also make great Halloween decorations. Paint or draw a face on your pumpkin with a Sharpie. Plant grass, sage, or even a succulent to give your pumpkin planter personality and wild and crazy “hair.” 

You can use any size plant or pumpkin, just make sure that the diameter and height of the nursery pot, isn’t larger than your pumpkin. Select a fresh pumpkin that is round in shape and not too tall.
  • Cut all the way around the stem end of the pumpkin a few inches down from the top with a sharp knife.
  • Pierce the flesh of the pumpkin with the pointed end of the knife, following with a back-and-forth slicing motion to cut through the thick, tough skin.
  • Make an opening large enough to place a flowerpot inside the cavity.
  • Remove and reserve the stem-cap portion of the pumpkin.
  • Scoop out the seeds and pulp from inside the pumpkin using a large spoon.
  • Cut a small drainage hole near the bottom of the pumpkin.
  • Place a potted chrysanthemum, indoor plant or colorful potted annual inside the cavity. If the plant sits too low, add recycled material such as crumpled aluminum foil or an upturned plastic container to raise the plant. If the plant is too high, hide the exposed portion of the pot with decorative moss or dried grass.

Display your pumpkin planter on the front porch or inside the house in a cool location away from direct sunlight. Prop the stem cap alongside the display for a casual look or discard. Remove the potted plant to water - replacing it after it has been allowed to drain for a few minutes.

9 comments:

Leslie said...

What a great idea...something I'd never have thought of. I might just have to purchase a punkin' now :)
Hugs, Leslie

Abatevintage said...

OOOh that is lovely. I love the floral designs. You are clever girl. Have a great day.

Blessings to you and yours,
Heidi

Anonymous said...

Your Fall Florals are Beautiful!! The colors are so striking....
Blessings,
Marilyn

Lisa said...

Super cute! Thanks for the how to!
Hugs, Lisa

Fifi Flowers said...

LOVE pumpkins!!!
BTW... I really think you should visit me! You could be a winner!!!
ENJOY!
Fifi

Shopgirl said...

I would have never thought of a Pumpkin flower pot...what a great idea. I might give it a try:)
Your pictures are lovely...Thank you for sharing. Hugs, Mary

Tracey said...

What a great idea!
Tracey

Nancy said...

I have never seen this before. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

Pumpkins aren't just for jack-o-lanterns after all! :-) I think it's a wonderful idea Mimi :-)

Mizpah,
Li