The Gardener's Rake

Growing the Perfect Gourd Crop

I find gourds to be an amazing and interesting crop to grow.

Gourds can vary from the small decorative gourds most popular for fall decorations and to the dishrag gourds used for cleaning. And who can forget the larger gourds that are used for canteens or even tables or toy boxes.  drying gourds 03.22.09 [81]
Creative Commons License photo credit: timlewisnm

I have grown almost every variety of gourd there is and in my zone 5 climate this can be a challenge.  Many of the larger gourds can take 125 to 130 days to mature.

This year in my crafting garden I am growing the smaller decorative gourds, two other small gourd varieties and the dishrag gourd.

In my swing set garden I have nine gourd varieties growing and near the barn I have the bushel gourd and two rare gourds that are new to me this year. I separated them from my other gourds so they would not cross-pollinate and I would be able to save seeds. Gourds
Creative Commons License photo credit: Otto Phokus

My swing set garden is exactly what I named it. I like to grow my gourds vertical so that insects do not bother them and so they grow evenly. Since they are very heavy I needed strong support so I use an old swing set.

By placing a heavy layer of rotted manure in the triangular section of the set, I create a barrier against weeds and also supply a source of nutrition for the gourds, which are heavy feeders.

I place heavy twine from the top of the swing set to stakes in the ground to supply support for the gourd to grow on.

I also include flowers and sunflowers mixed in with the gourds to help attract bees for the gourds pollination. The flowers also add color and interest to the garden area.

Growing gourds on a swing set has improved the quality and production. And later in the year I can cover the swing set with clear plastic if I need to extend the season for a week or two. whattodowithgourds2
Creative Commons License photo credit: Aunt Owwee

I use the gourds I grow for small furniture, gourd instruments, wall decorations, birdhouses and ornaments.

Gourds are a fun crop to grow because you never know exactly what you will get and the gourd has so many uses.

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Denise

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6 responses to “Growing the Perfect Gourd Crop”

  1. Diana

    Interesting post on growing gourds. I have never attempted growing these because my neighbor grows lots of them every year and I get my share from her. In return, she gets some of my roses which she claims she has no luck growing.

    Diana
    [rq=1661,0,blog][/rq]Time to Clean up your Yard and Garden for the Winter Months

  2. Sharon

    Love the “swing set” garden idea. What a great way to recycle.

    Although I’ve never grown gourds, I’m fascinated by their many uses as household tools, implements and objects.

    I’d love to hear more about some of the ways you use them.

    Sharon
    [rq=2430,0,blog][/rq]Roses Are Royalty

  3. Denise

    Hi Diana,

    It sounds like you have a great deal going on there. Trading garden flowers and produce adds to the fun of gardening. Denise

  4. Denise

    Hi Sharon,

    The swing set is a prefect idea for growing gourds because it has a great look and will hold the weight of the gourds. In my first year of growing gourds I made a trellis and it collapsed from weight….what a mess! (but I still had a gourd crop)

    Gourds are great fun to grow! They add adventure to gardening. Denise

  5. Sandra Snyder

    What can be done with the gourds after using them for decoration? Can they be preserved for use later? Please help me I have about 20 that have been used for decorative purposes and need to know what can be done rather than just throwing them away.
    Thank you for any assistance.

  6. Denise

    It would depends on how they were decorated. If they were painted or stained it would depend on how that was done.

    They can be redecorated in a more natural way. They can be used for planters.

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