Drying Gourds
Unlike other garden vegetables, you won't eat a gourd. If you are going to
put small gourds on display, you can do so right away. A healthy gourd will
last for many months.
Many gourds are dried and later used in a variety of projects, especially
for crafts. The drying process takes a long time. Here's how to dry them
for later use:
Drying and Curing Gourds:
Gourds take a long time to dry. Small ones take at least a month. The long
gourd, used for crafts and birdhouse gourds, can take six months or more.
Here are the basics for drying them:
Clean gourds with a solution of water and a disinfectant or bleach to kill
any bacteria. Place gourds on a screen or a board, making sure that they
do not touch each other. Store them in a cool, well ventilated area. Gently
move them each day or two, and wipe off any moisture that is on them. Moisture
is natural, as they are perspiring off the water content, which is about
90% of their weight. Fungus on them is not abnormal. They are okay unless
they develop a soft spot. If a soft spot is found, discard it.
Your gourds are dry, when the seeds rattle inside. The gourd will be very
lightweight- - and fragile.
Once they are dry, you can make a wide range of crafts. They can be painted,
shellaced, or left unfinished. As previously mentioned, Long gourds are used
most frequently for crafts. Birdhouse gourds are also very common. You can
make just about anything, including vases, flower pots, bowls, dishes, ladles.
Simply use your imagination, or visit a craft show where a gourd crafter
is showing his or her crafts.
Did you know? Gourds were commonly used in ancient cultures around
the world for a variety of tools and dishes.
For More Information:
There is a wealth of information about this fun plant.
Pumpkin Nook- How to Grow
Gourds and pumpkins a members of the same family and are grown similarly.
This site has lots of growing info.
Gourdheads
Are you a gourdhead. Do you dare to find out?
More Information:
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