I would like to know how to dry gourds in a way that they don't rot and can later be used for decorations. Any tips?

-- Dan (dshaske@excel.net), January 21, 2002

Answers

Check the archives below, there were several threads posted this past year on this topic, and instructional books listed. I've been growing, drying and crafting with the birdhouse gourds for several years now and in talking to people about them, they don't seem to realize that the gourds dry from the inside out and what they think is "rotting" is actually the process they go through. There were several different methods described and all of them seemed to work. If you can't find the posts, let me know and I'll try to find them.

-- rose marie wild (wintersongfarm@yahoo.com), January 22, 2002.

First let the gourds stay on the vine until the vine dies then put them in a well ventilated place. Some people will put them in a warm place like an attic but if the gourds are totally ripe it really is unecessary, I've dried mine in an unheated garage with no problems.

-- aw (possumdog@yahoo.com), January 22, 2002.

you will always lose "some" to rot you just accept it , but when you see thick mold on the outside of the gourd , dont assume its rotting , its drying out , really , that mold is feeding on mosture in the gourd , just let it be , and try to wait , if you see water leaking from the gourd , then , yes its rotten , and rememebr drying gourds do go thourgh a slightly "mushy" phase, your best bet , check them weekly and turn them , or simply let them suffer benign neglect , as i do , keep them in the garage , till after the holidays , then bring them inside to a warm dry location (i put mine near the heater , in a spare bedroom to finish drying , ) then you can follow all the other tips on here , for dealing with your lovely new organic decor :)

-- Beth Van Stiphout (willosnake@hotmail.com), January 24, 2002.