ByKim Waldorf DIY Home Decor, Fall, Home + Garden, Seasonal

How to Make a Fall Mum Pumpkin Planter on a Budget

Turn a simple pumpkin into a stunning fall planter! With just a pumpkin, a mum, and a few basic tools, this budget-friendly project comes together in no time. It’s the perfect way to add a pop of color to your porch or tablescape this season. No green thumb required!

Looking for a fun and easy fall craft project? Try making a mum pumpkin planter! This project is perfect for beginners and can be done on a budget. All you need is a pumpkin, some mums, and a few other supplies. In this tutorial, I’ll show you how to make a fall mum pumpkin planter step-by-step. I’ll also give you some tips on how to choose the right mums and how to care for your planter once it’s finished.

Bright yellow potted mum planted inside a hollowed-out orange pumpkin on a cozy fall porch.

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 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!

How To Make A Mum & Pumpkin Planter - Pinterest Graphic

Can I Plant Mums Inside A Pumpkin?

The simple answer is yes! It is a popular fall craft project to make a mum pumpkin planter. However, it is important to note that this type of planter will not last as long as a traditional planter, as the pumpkin will eventually rot.

Filling the pumpkin with potting soil will extend the life of your fall planter, but for this project, I simply placed the pot directly inside the pumpkin.

Affiliate links are used in this post. 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. Mums need regular watering, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Water the plants deeply, but be careful not to overwater them.

In the fall, mums will begin to bud and bloom. Deadhead the spent blooms to encourage new growth. After the first frost, cut back the mum plants to about 6 inches tall. This will help to protect the plants over the winter. If you 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.

How to Make a Fall Mum Pumpkin Planter on a Budget - Cottage in the Mitten Pinterest Graphic.

DIY Mum Pumpkin Planter Supplies

Friends, this DIY pumpkin project is so easy and budget-friendly, you’ll need very few supplies to complete it.

1 large pumpkin
1 9-10 inch mum
Carving tools
Permanent marker or pen

Choose the Perfect Pumpkin

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, but not so large that it will overwhelm the plant.

My favorite pumpkin cleaning tip

To prevent mold and fungus, I wash my pumpkin with warm soapy water and wipe it down with vinegar before starting.

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!

How to Make a Fall Mum Pumpkin Planter on a Budget - Large Pumpkin with mums in the background.

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.

Removing a yellow mum from its plastic container to prepare it for a DIY pumpkin planter.

Prep Your Pumpkin

Next step is the messy part. It might be a fun memory from your childhood, too. At least it’s one of mine!

You will need to cut the top off your pumpkin and clean the out the inside. Once the pumpkin is clean, take the container from the mum, turn it upside down on the top of the pumpkin, tracing 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.

Using a small serrated pumpkin carving tool to cut a circle out of the top of a pumpkin.

How to Make a Fall Mum Pumpkin Planter on a Budget - Cutters

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.

To extend the life of your DIY mum pumpkin planter, cut drainage holes in the bottom of your pumpkin. If you find it to difficult to cut, use a large drill bit.

Marking three drainage holes on the bottom of a large pumpkin for a DIY mum pumpkin planter.

Cutting water drainage holes into the bottom interior of a cleaned-out carved pumpkin.

Create the Floral Arrangement

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!?

You can create a smaller version of the pumpkin planter as a centerpiece for your kitchen table. See my recent autumn table in the post 10 Fall Tablescapes That Will Wow Your Guests.

Completed DIY mum pumpkin planter with blooming yellow flowers displayed outdoors for autumn decor.

Mum Pumpkin Planter – Frequently Asked Questions

With good sun and regular watering, your mum should last several weeks through the fall season, especially if the pumpkin itself stays intact.

Mums prefer consistently moist soil. Water your mum when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, making sure water drains freely through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pumpkin.

Once the pumpkin starts to decay, simply remove the potted mum. You can transplant it directly into your garden beds at least six weeks before the first frost so the root system can establish for next spring.