The pumpkin is carved…now what to do with all those seeds?

Sure, you can roast them for a tasty treat. Or, if you want a fun fall gardening activity, save the seeds to plant next year. Here’s how:

Saving and Storing Pumpkin Seeds

1. Cut the top off your pumpkin and scoop out all the pulp. A large spoon works well for this task.
2. Separate the seeds from the pulp with your fingers, then place the seeds in a colander to rinse under cool water. Try to remove as much pulp as possible from each seed.
3. Inspect the clean seeds carefully, and select the largest ones to save. Larger seeds will have a better chance of germinating and growing healthy vines.
4. Spread the seeds on a layer of wax paper and allow to dry overnight. Pumpkin seeds are sticky, so wax paper works best for the initial drying period.
5. Once the seeds are dry, line a baking sheet with paper towels. Spread the pumpkin seeds in a single layer.
6. Place the tray in a cool, dark place for at least one month. This allows the seeds to become completely dry.
7. After one month, sort through the seeds and discard any with mold or mildew. Place the good seeds in an envelope. They can be stored in the envelope until next year’s planting.