Happy Fall everyone! Yes, it is finally the first day of fall. And it’s “officially” time to break out the sweaters and all things pumpkin! Speaking of pumpkins, today I am joining some lovely bloggers, hosted by my friend Wendy from WM Design House, and we are bringing you some fun Pumpkin/Jack-O-Lantern DIY projects. I’ll be sharing how to make a mum & pumpkin planter.

If you are coming over from my friend Susan, from Hen and Horse Design, didn’t she share some easy and fun pumpkin decorations for fall? So good!
I want to welcome you to my Cottage in the Mitten! My name is Kim and I’m a native Michigander. If this is your first time here, I love sharing decor, my blankets, my weekly Mitten Moments, and life along the way. I’d love for you to join me regularly!

Can I Plant Mums Inside A Pumpkin?
The simple answer is yes!
I will tell you, this project will probably last longer if you fill the pumpkin with potting soil. However, for this particular fall planter idea, I didn’t use potting soil. I put the pot directly inside the pumpkin.
(Affiliate links are used in this post. I earn a small commission when you make a purchase through my links and there is no additional cost to you. Read my full disclosure here.)
“I don’t see how a pumpkin patch could be more sincere than this one.” —It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown
Can I Plant Mums In The Ground?
You can plant mums in the ground. The best time to plant a mum is in early spring. If you do decide to plant in the fall it should be done at least six weeks before the first frost in your area.
Mums love sun and should get at least 6 hours a day, so keep that in mind if you are planting them in the ground.
Potted mums are hearty and can survive the cold winter months. They can grow well in zones 4-9, however, your best bet for them to come back annually is to plant them in the spring. This give the root system plenty of time to establish.

Mum & Pumpkin Planter Supplies
Friends, when I tell you this is an easy project, I mean this is a super easy project. The best part is that you will need very few supplies to complete it.
1 Large pumpkin
1 9-10 inch mum
Carving tools
Permanent marker or pen
- Secrets to Creating a Stunning Fall Vignette with Ease
- Mitten Moments
- 9 of the Best Books to Read This Fall
- Mitten Moments
- How to Dry Hydrangeas for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1
Purchase a large pumpkin and mum. Choose a pumpkin that is the right size for your mum plant. The pumpkin should be large enough to accommodate the root ball of the mum plant, but not so large that it will overwhelm the plant.
Before I start, I like to wash the excess dirt off my pumpkin.
Side note, pumpkins can be expensive if purchased at a farm or orchard. My local grocery store had huge pumpkins that were 2 for $10. I think mine weighed about 30 lbs! Here in the Mitten, pumpkins are going for about .60 plus cents a pound, so the grocery store price was a steal!

Decide what color of mum you want to use for this project and then purchase your mum.
Remove the mum from the container, being careful not to break apart the root system, and then set the mum aside.

Step 2
Next step is the messy part. It might be a fun memory from your childhood! At least it’s one of mine!
You will need to cut the top off your pumpkin and clean the out the inside.
Taking the container from the mum, turn it upside down on the top of the pumpkin and trace the circumference onto the pumpkin.
I used pumpkin carving kit tools that I have had for years. The carving knives look small but let me tell you, they work great! Even though mine are old, you can still purchase them today.



After you get the pumpkin completely cleaned out, cut three holes in the bottom of the pumpkin for water drainage. Since I will be placing the mum directly into the pumpkin, I need any excess water from watering my mum to drain out.
Your DIY pumpkin planter will definitely last longer with the drainage holes. If it’s too hard for you to cut the holes, you can use a large drill bit, to make it easier.


Step 3
Carefully add your mum back into it’s original container, set into your clean pumpkin, and style it in your outdoor space for fall! Side note, mums thrive in full sun.
Wasn’t that so easy!?

Next up on our Pumpkin/Jack-O-Lantern DIY projects tour is Regina from Saved From Salvage. She’ll be sharing how to make concrete pumpkins. You won’t want to miss it!
I appreciate you stopping by today!
I hope I have inspired you how to make a mum in pumpkin planter, all on your own!
Happy fall!

Don’t forget to follow me on Instagram and Pinterest!
I love this idea Kim! You’ve created the prettiest of ‘pumpkin’ bouquets! Great hopping with you today! 🙂 Susan
Thanks, Susan! Such a fun day! Happy fall!
I love this, Kim. Such a great idea.
Thank you, Renae! It was a fun and easy project!
I love the idea of using a pumpkin as a beautiful vase for some mums! perfect decor for the front porch!
Thanks Meredith! It was such a fun project to do! Happy fall!
So cute, Kim!! Fun Fact…I have never carved a pumpkin!!!
Friend, you need to come to the Mitten so Big Al and I can carve some pumpkins with you!!!
This is such a great idea for a centerpiece, or just to enjoy on the porch. Great tip for the drainage holes, too!
It would be great in a centerpiece, too! Happy fall!
Love this Kim! Muns never last in NJ. The bright yellow with orange is pretty
Thank you! Happy fall!
Kim, I love this idea to put my mums in a pumpkin. This looks so pretty. Plus the pumpkin will keep the mums moist. I have made floral arrangement before but never used it for outdoor flowers. Beautiful idea!
I am having a rehearsal dinner at my house and going to do this for the front porch.
I’m so happy with how they came out. You’ll have to send me a picture of yours when you do them!
Love, love, love this idea! Such a great way to display mums! It was great to hop with you…I got some great ideas from all of you! Happy Fall decorating! ~Missy
Thanks so much, Missy! It was a fun hop!! Happy fall!
You are brilliant, my friend. Love the fresh mums in the pumpkin. Only you would think to drill drain holes, LOL! Thank you for making our blog hop a success.
You are so kind, friend!! Thanks for hosting! Happy fall!
What a great idea! Of course pumpkins should be planters – it only makes sense! Wish I had thought of it :). So happy to hop along with you!
So nice to hop with you! Thanks for your kind words. 🙂
What a splendid idea! Looks super cute.
Thank you!!
Kim
I love this idea. Thanks for sharing on the round up today.
Thanks Rachel, and thanks so much for hosting!
I love your pumpkin planter, Kim. It turned out beautifully. And absolutely perfect for fall!
Thanks Jen! Such a fun and easy project.
This is the cutest idea ever!! I will be trying this DIY this Fall, thank you for sharing!! 🙂
Oh, fun! Glad you like it!
wow Kim such a great idea !
Thanks Stacy!