Build a Pumpkin Tower

Register your team to participate in the Pumpkin Tower contest. Scroll down for step-by-step instructions to build your own tower.  Questions? Email us at info@boxerwood.org.

Gather your Team and then gather these materials:

• Rebar or other sturdy pole. Lowes carries rebar in 5-ft and 8-ft lengths.
• Pumpkins – the number depends on the length of your pole. (Leave at least 8 inches of rebar to pound into the ground in Step #2.)
• Tape (small piece) to mark rebar
• Drill with ½-inch drill bit or size needed to match the diameter of your pole
• Pumpkin carving tools
• Mallet (or borrow one at Boxerwood)

Step 1: Remove stems from all except top pumpkin and arrange your pumpkins in the order you would like them stacked (largest at the bottom and get smaller as you go up the pole). You can number the pumpkins with a permanent marker to remember the order.

Step 2: Mark the rebar with tape so you know how deep you need to hammer it into the ground. Leave at least 8” to pound into the ground for stability.

Step 3: Carve your jack-o-lanterns. It is best to open up the back of the pumpkin, not the top, to clean them. This keeps the top and bottom intact and more stable for stacking. Save all the back pieces you remove – you’ll want to replace them later.

Step 4: Drill a hole in the top and bottom of each jack-o-lantern.

Step 5: Bring your carved jack-o-lanterns, rebar, and a mallet to Boxerwood. A Boxerwood helper will show you the space designated for your team’s tower pole.

Step 6: Pound your pole into ground. Use the tape as a guide to make sure the pole is down deep enough for stability before you start stacking the pumpkins.

Step 7: Stack your pumpkins! Leave the backs open while stacking to make it easier to see the holes. Just slide them onto the rebar in the order you want them.

Step 8: If you end up with rebar sticking up at the top, remove the last pumpkin and carefully hammer the rebar a bit deeper into the ground.

Step 9: Insert tea lights (provided by Boxerwood).

Step 10: Replace the back pieces on the pumpkins and enjoy the spooky glow!

Good luck to all our Pumpkin Tower participants!