How to Make a Mum & Pumpkin Planter

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.

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“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

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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!

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