Cheapest supermarket pumpkins with prices starting at 42p

Supermarket pumpkins start at 42p this year, less than a tenth of many pumpkin patch purchases.

Aldi’s Large Pumpkins are available for £1.59 — 55% cheaper than Waitrose. Meanwhile, Aldi’s Extra Large Pumpkins are available for just £2.39 — 61p less than Sainsbury’s.

For those looking for cute, decorative pumpkins, Aldi is selling Munchkin Pumpkins for just 42p each, the cheapest price around with M&S costing 66% more (£1.25), whilst those looking to supersize their Halloween décor can grab Giant Pumpkins at Aldi for £5.99.

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How to save waste and money with your pumpkin

This Halloween, an estimated 24 million pumpkins will be sold across the nation with a potential 18,000 tonnes to be discarded after, but an expert has revealed a fun, simple hack to save wastage and potential pumpkin costs next year.

B&Q Horticulture expert Mark Sage has unveiled a handy guide to repurpose pumpkin seeds and grow your own next year, with all tools needed to do so starting at just £4 at www.diy.com or in B&Q stores nationwide.

"Halloween pumpkin carving is a wonderful tradition, but the seeds inside are more than just a by-product, they are a hidden opportunity," he says.

"By rinsing, drying and storing them correctly, seeds can be saved and planted next year to grow pumpkins for another season of spook-tacular displays.

“If planting isn’t the goal, they can simply be crushed and scattered to give soil a natural nutrient boost, or put in a birdfeeder for wildlife to enjoy. It’s an easy and creative way to turn a seasonal treat into something that keeps giving, or even save a few pennies the following year when getting back into pumpkin carving season.”

How to re-use your pumpkin in the garden

Step 1: Carve with care

Mark says: “When carving a pumpkin, keep the seeds aside rather than discarding them in order to be able to preserve and re-use. To keep them in good condition, scoop the seeds and pulp into a large bowl before separating the seeds by hand, and make sure to take extra care when handling the seeds as keeping them well preserved gives the best chance of great results.”

Step 2: Rinse and dry the seeds

Mark says: “It is super important for the seeds to be in good condition before planting them. To prepare them post-carving, place the seeds in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove any pulp, and lay them on a dish towel or wax paper to dry overnight. To get the best results, spread seeds on a baking sheet lined with paper towels and allow them to air dry in a cool, dark place for at least a month to ensure they are completely dry.”

Step 3: Store the seeds

Mark says: “Select the largest, healthiest seeds for saving, and discard any seeds with mould or damage. To keep them in good condition for re-use, store your seeds in an envelope or airtight container in the fridge. This helps preserve them for planting next year, and ensures they remain viable for up to a year!”

Step 4: Replant or repurpose as fertiliser

Mark says: “If you want to grow your own pumpkins, sow your pumpkin seeds indoors from April to early May, around two to four weeks before the last expected frost. Then, when ready, plant the seeds about 2.5 cm deep in a free-draining compost mix and keep them warm and consistently moist. Once the seedlings have developed into a few leaves and the weather has warmed up (usually by late May or early June) they can be transplanted outside. Space the plants roughly 1 to 2 metres apart, allowing plenty of room for the vines to spread - it will likely take around 90 to 120 days to reach maturity, meaning that a spring sowing will provide ripe pumpkins ready to harvest in time for October.

“If you are using leftover pumpkin seeds as a natural soil improver rather than for growing, gently crush them with a rolling pin or mortar and pestle, and scatter them evenly over the surface of compost or soil, and lightly rake them in. This helps them break down gradually, adding organic matter and nutrients as they decompose.

“During the colder months, pumpkin seeds can also be used to support local birdlife. Offer raw, unsalted seeds in your bird feeder from late autumn through winter, when natural food sources are scarce. Keep feeders clean and dry, washing them weekly with warm soapy water to prevent the spread of disease.”