From

Location

Message

Date Posted

Upa Creek, MO

Does anyone have a fail proof way to dry? This is my 3rd year growing them, and they have rotted each previous year. I have 4 big ones I'd like to dry, paint and give away to family. I have read multiple views on the web, but thought I'd get straight forward opinions on here.

Thanks

10/20/2015 7:54:33 PM

Honesdale Pa USA

I just drill a couple holes in the bottom and leave them outside under cover to keep them dry. Works well for me.

10/20/2015 9:04:37 PM

Indiana

Hey smallmouth from past experience of growing hard shelled gourds for 24 years what works best for me is to just leave them alone all winter long and let mother nature do her thing. If you have true hard shelled birdhouse and they are mature they will make it through the freezing of winter and thawing of spring with no problem. Immature gourds will shrivel up and rot. Also in spring time your gourd will have its moldy skin on it when you are sure your gourd is finally dried out ( here it's usually late May to June the following year after growing season) you can clean it. I use a power washer on hundreds of gourds it works great. Good luck with your gourds

10/20/2015 9:35:25 PM

Webster Groves, MO

Luke,

I've had the same success using the techniques as described by cucurbit.

10/20/2015 10:10:13 PM

Menomonie, WI (mail@gr8pumpkin.net)

Hang them in rafters of the garage

10/20/2015 10:13:08 PM

Upa Creek, MO

Thank you both for the responses. Previous years I had tried inside on a window ledge to get light and they all got the rot. They are outside now on an old tiki bar and I'll just leave them there all winter.

10/20/2015 10:16:18 PM

Upa Creek, MO

I just saw other responses - thanks. I might try one in the garage as suggested. Spread the options..

10/20/2015 10:20:04 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Luke, the skin will get moldy looking for sure. If they are mature they will dry and become light in weight. If not mature, they will crinkle and shrivel. Good Luck.

10/23/2015 7:12:07 AM

Upa Creek, MO

The oldest one that was cut first is getting the mold (which is normal) but getting dents all over that have remained hard (no rot). Is this normal? Thanks

10/23/2015 10:00:43 AM