"Growing Gourds - Novelty Gardening!"
'Crown of Thorns'U.S. Link Growing gourds with Thompson & Morgan US U.K. Link Thompson & Morgan UK For all other countries: Thompson & Morgan Worldwide If already have a supply of gourds, dry a few and keep until next spring in a dark dry place. Then cut open the gourds and carefully remove the seeds. Plant the seed in seed compost about 1 inch deep. Water well and keep warm. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Make sure the pots are well drained. The young roots won't be happy with their feet in water.
When the plants have 4 true leaves ( not counting the first two leaves ) they will be ready to plant out in the garden. Don't plant out if there is any possibility of a frost. Keep your plants well watered and protected from the cold and plant out when the weather is warmer. Choose a sunny position. Soil should be dug and all weeds removed. Add well rotted compost or manure and dig well into the prepared patch. Using a trowel, dig holes for your plants, leaving the right amount of space between them. Check on your seed packets for measurements, but generally about half to one metre apart will be okay. ( Growing gourds in your garden does take up a considerable amount of space ) If you are using disposable pots, plant the whole thing in the prepared soil. Growing gourds the easy way :-) Otherwise, soak the pot and carefully remove the plants one at a time. Handle the plant as little as possible, and quickly place in your prepared hole. Fill hole in with freshly dug soil and firm down with your hands. Water well. Then repeat with the others. Try not to let the light get to the roots of your plants too much. Use a cloche to protect the young plants if you need to.
Watch for slugs....and remove! Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Other than that, the gourds should be getting on with growing themselves! When the fruits start appearing, make sure they are not in contact with wet soil. Tip: When watering the larger plants, direct the water at the roots and not all over the patch. This will keep the soil dry in places for your gourds to develop. Also by watering in this way, you will discourage weeds between the plants. Smooth stones can be placed under the gourds as they get bigger if necessary.
When gourds are the right size ( check the seed packet ), cut stalk carefully, and dry in the sun for a day. Some smaller gourds can be picked easily by twisting the stalk slightly. If it breaks easily, the fruit has stopped growing and is ready to harvest. Keep picking the gourds as they are ready and the others will gain more energy from the plant. Leave the last gourds on the plants until the foliage has completely died back or the weather gets too atrocious to support any more growth! Growing gourds in your garden can really be a family project. Make containers and bird houses, bowls and musical instruments from these magnificent plants! Keep a few gourds just for the seeds - to plant next year!
 Happy Gardening! More "Gourd" Reading
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