OT?? Gourds
- To: "'perennials@mallorn.com'" <perennials@mallorn.com>
- Subject: OT?? Gourds
- From: "* S* <S*@lhs.org>
- Date: Tue, 14 Jul 1998 13:16:28 -0700
We just began growing gourds this year.
They are vining plants and need a lot of space, either to sprawl on the
ground or crawl up a support.
They like good dirt and lots of water, but shouldn't be fed much, as
this will cause them to produce vines and no fruit.
They can't be started until the soil has warmed and need a LONG growing
period-- at least 4 months. We tried starting some indoors-- they
sortof pooped along. We planted the seedlings outside at the same time
as we planted seed. In the long run, the seeds have all generated
healthier plants than the starts.
At the end of the growing season, there are options.... Some people let
the gourds overwinter in the garden. Others harvest and hang up in a
cool, dark place (e.g. garage). If left outside, the proponents claim
they are tougher and sturdier; however about half of them will end up
rotting. The ones brought inside may not be as durable, but more will
make it through the winter.
Gourds have to dry for several months, until they are light and you can
hear the seeds rattling inside. Molds and discoloration can be scrubbed
off with soap and bleach. They can then be carved and/or painted as
desired.
Sue P.
SPesznec@lhs.org Portland, Oregon
(USDA zone 8, Sunset zone 6)
> I enjoyed Keith's story very much, and would like to have some for
> myself,
> so could he please tell us some more about these "birdhouse gourds"?
>
> Isabelle Hayes
>
>
>
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