I've been growing different types of gourds for 2 or 3 years now. It's been a learning experience. I grow them on the west end of the shade-house. They love hot sun.

I've experimented with different methods of cleaning & drying them. There is loads of information on the internet about how to dry & clean gourds. I am not an expert gourd person. I just love gourd birdhouses.

The American Gourd Society website should have any inforamtion any of us might need: www.americangourdsociety.org

I do good growing, harvesting, & drying gourds but I never got to the painting / decorating part. Ron taught me to use his drill-press to put holes in them for birdhouses. An artist friend, Corky thought it would be fun to carve & paint gourds. She decorates them & we sell them. It's fun!

See more of Corky's gourds in this slideshow!

American Gourd Society Fall Tips.