How to make a pumpkin bird feeder
If you're making pumpkin soup, don't waste the skin - turn it into this pumpkin bird feeder instead.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| At its best | yes | |||||||||||
| To do | yes |
If you're making a pumpkin pie or soup in autumn, don't waste the tough outer skin – put it to good use and turn it into a bird feeder.
Learn how to grow pumpkins.
This simple design will attract a variety of garden birds, which can nibble at the exposed pumpkin flesh as they dine on the seeds.
You Will Need
- Pumpkin
- Sharp knife
- Wire
- Bird seed
- Tablespoon
Step 1
Cut the pumpkin in half and use a tablespoon to scoop out as much flesh as possible, creating a deep pit in one half. Use the flesh in soups or stews.
Step 2
Pierce a hole in the pumpkin half, at the opposite end from the pit. Gently loop the wire through and use this to hang your pumpkins from a tree branch.
Step 3
Holding the pumpkin half in one hand, gently tip a quantity of mixed bird seed into the pit. Gently release the pumpkin so it hangs freely but doesn't swing.
Christmas offer
Gift a subscription to BBC Gardeners' World magazine and save 51% on the shop price.
Year Planner 2025 on sale
Starting to plan your gardening year? The Year Planner 2025 is packed with expert advice from the Gardeners’ World team, to ensure you have your best gardening year yet.
Plant of the Week: Mix & match dahlias
This week, choose from 40 beautiful dahlia varieties in various shapes and colours, including dwarf and giant sizes, with prices starting from just £4 each.
Offer ends 23.59, Sunday 8 December.
New podcast series
Join Monty and the team for advice on winter gardening, tulips, caring for birds, house plants and more in the new BBC Gardeners' World Magazine podcast series.
