| I recently obtained a seed catalog from Gurney's and in it was an offer for something called a bushel gourd. What is it and are they hard to grow? |
| A bushel gourd is a variety of gourd that is very large and round, like a big pumpkin or a "bushel basket." Gourds are as a rule fairly easy to grow, like most vining crops such as squash and cucumbers. Gourds should be harvested at the end of summer, after the stems have turned brown, but before the first frost. If harvested too soon, they won't dry well. If left too long, frost will soften the fruit and ruin it. Harvest by cutting the stem from the vine. Wipe dirt from the gourds. They will dry best in a warm, dry area with ample air circulation. Large gourds may take 3 to 6 months to dry, small gourds should dry in 3-4 weeks. You will know they are ready when they are very light weight and you can hear the seeds rattling freely inside. Here is a website all about gourds that you may find interesting: http://webcom.com/jjmcclin/wel... |
