A annual herb that’s been around for ages, maybe even since the Prehistoric times, that Gourd has many qualities and characteristics for a variety of useful ideas. What uses are these now?

A gourd is of the Cucurbitaceae family of plants whose range includes tropical, sub-tropical and temperate zones. They are climbing or prostrate vines with spiraling tendrils and beautiful star-like blooms. Use of a trellis will let the vines clamber quickly and they will grow up to 30 feet and eventually have lovely rounded gourds whereas growing flat on the ground will have flat sided gourds.

The various uses of a gourd can be a birdhouse, bowl, dippers and containers dependant upon the way they have been grown. There are edible and non-edible varieties though the ones used by many cultures has usually been from the Lagenaria siceraria family. They grow in a variety of interesting shapes and sizes making them favorable for exploring one’s creativity and artistic skills.

Preparation of a gourd is quite simple or one can buy them from their local farmers market and can be decorated with intricate etched designs, painted or with use of a wood burning tool. This can easily become a source of a second income and micro home business. Follow these steps to prepare your gourd ;

– Curing, let dry for a few months until quite dry, hard and looking rather moldy with loose seeds when rattled.

– Cleaning, wear a dust mask to prevent inspiration of mold. Soak the gourd in warm soapy water with a little bleach for about a hour. Cut a hole or in half (if using for a container). Use a spoon, putty knife and metal scrub pad to scrape away the mold and layer of inner skin from the gourd until there is a golden wood color surface. Let dry. Store seeds for next year garden.

– Decorating, you can decorate with the use of water based exterior enamel, acrylics, wood burning, oil colors, water colors, markers on the EXTERIOR. Do not touch the inside as may be hazardous to birds (if making a birdhouse). Note – birdhouse use, drill holes in bottom, cover with screen, prevent bug entry and allows drainage of rain. Seal the outer gourd with polyurethane

Growing your own gourds can be done with use of a bin, window planter, raised garden bed and/or usual garden beds. Follow these instructions ;

– Soak, in water for speedier germination for about 2-3 days. Place in peat compound until ready to be transplanted to their outdoor bed.
– Planting, ensure sunlight and fertile soil mixed with organic matter for nutrients.
– Trellis, provides air circulation and saves space. Allow to remain on the ground will have flat sided gourds.
– Water weekly if rain is minimal and nutrients with organic matter.
– Harvest, when stems and vines are brown. Pick before first frost.
– Note, plant gourds away from other crops as bees will cross-pollinate.

I am crazy for wildlife therefore would choose ones for a birdhouse. As fall is arriving shortly maybe get yourself a gourd and decide to make something out of it for a gift. Let your creativity mojo flow and see where it takes you. The final product of your work will be uniquely yours and that gourd a one-of-a-kind gift. Read related –> here and there.

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