Birdhouse Gourds

[catjac1975]

Here are some of my dried gourds from 2 seasons ago eating for completion.

 

[Smart Red]

Nice looking. Those on the bottom are the kind I've grown. Is the top one a dragon gourd?

 

[catjac1975]

Dinasaur gourd.

View attachment 1593
Here are some of my dried gourds from 2 seasons ago eating for completion.

 

[Smart Red]

Right! That's what I meant even if it was not what I said. I fear DH is rubbing off on me. Do you make bird houses out of them as well?

 

[catjac1975]

Yes, my grandsons love them. There are fantastic to see when growing.

 

[lesa]

Gee, Cat- I always thought they would rot if they got cold... Hmm, will have to try that. Those bird house gourds are the only thing I actually sell from my garden. Crafters love them. It was way too wet for them last year- I think I ended up with two! Will try again. I really enjoy growing them.

 

[catjac1975]

Most of mine grow on a fence and I leave them as long as possible. After frost the vine is quite strong. I don't know. It works best for me. Doesn't seem to make sense and that's not what I have read to do.The 2 I left out all winter are dry, the outer skin is peeling on it's own and they are ready for making a bird house. They were self sown so are rather small.The ones I put in a shed are moldy and gross.

 

[lesa]

Have you tried washing the gourds with a bleach solution before putting them away for storage? I tried that, and it did help. I happened to store mine near the washing machine, so one year I scrubbed them with laundry detergent, when I saw them starting to get moldy. Leaving them hanging sounds much easier!

 

[catjac1975]

I do that after they are dry.