Re: Drying Gourds

 I grew one birdhouse gourd 2 years ago and two birdhouse gourds this last
year.The first time I set it up above the old oil burner in my basement,kind-
of wedged amongst the overhead piping and it dried completely in about 5
weeks.But it did get a funky mold/mildew fuzz that left stains on it.
 This year I left them upstairs on my dresser (so I could keep an eye on them)
and they took about7 weeks to dry......I sprayed a 15% bleach solution on then
almost daily until I finally gave up and let the fuzz take over.The stuff
would wipe off,but reappear the next day where it left off.I later researched
it on the net and one of the state agricultural departments said that the
stains add character and personality to the gourd.I guess they gave up too!
 In any case,the gourd should stay on the vine until the stem turns brown on
its own.The leaves should be gone by then too.Many people suggest that you
leave them outside in the open air and cold to dry naturally.You may do damage
to the seeds however.
 There are a few interesting sites out there including a mailing list.....try
these................... <A HREF="http://www.gardenweb.com/forums/gourds/">
Gourds Forum</A> , <A HREF="http://www.gourdcentral.com/">Gourd Central
Gourds, Gourd Craft and Tools</A>  
<A HREF="http://ro.com/~yankee/gordpage.htm">Gourdpage</A> ...As for making
birdhouses-they're still on my dresser.Another unfinished
project......................-Glenn
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