Please forgive me if I am posting this question in the wrong place. Couldn't decide on a proper forum for the question.

I grew Birdhouse, Martin House, and Dipper gourds for the first time this year. They were very green and lush up until two weeks ago. We had to go out of state, and an arctic blast hit our area while we were gone. Came home to the vines and gourds looking very brown! I am hoping that it isn't too late to cut the gourds off the vines and bring them into the unheated shop to dry over the winter, but I have no idea if this is okay to do, after they have been through such a hard freeze.

I'm hoping that someone can give me a suggestion on what to do, or to let me know if it is too late to save them for drying. I could always just give it a try, but I'd rather not mess with them if I waited too long to remove them from the vines and bring them inside.

Thanks for any help!

They are fine, in fact most people cut them after a freeze. Just cut them off, leaving a few inches of stem and then bring them in where it is dry. I would not put them in an unheated area, because I think they will just freeze and not dry out that way. You can tie them up and hang them from a ceiling if you don't have floor space for them. Check them often to make sure none are rotting. If so, throw them out. Be careful when harvesting not to damage the gourd because any cut in the flesh may cause rotting. They are 'done' when you can shake it and hear the seeds rattle inside.
I'm sure you can google it and find out more info. Some areas have a Gourd society/club and you might contact someone in your area. They know all about gourds- growing, drying,and artwork-carving them, ect. The local club here has a show every year open to the public and they have elaborately decorated gourds on display.

Thanks Frilly! I appreciate the help!