PHOTO BY DEBRA BURROWS Decorative gourds that were grown and painted in Clinton County are displayed above.

One of the most unique gifts I ever received was a beautiful, hand-painted birdhouse made from a gourd. Since that time, I’ve learned that gourds have been used by humans for thousands of years for many different purposes, both decorative and utilitarian.

Gourds, along with pumpkins, melons, squash, and cucumbers, are members of the Cucurbitaceae family, which are primarily vining plants. Although there are a few exceptions which have bushy habits. Gourds vary widely in shape, size and coloration. Depending upon type, gourds can be as small as three inches or as large as three feet. They can be smooth, ridged, or knobby (sometimes called warty) and be solid colored or exhibit colorful patterns. The variety of gourd shapes is extensive, and their common names are very descriptive. They include bottle, dipper, apple, birdhouse, basket, speckled swan and kettle, just to name a few. Hard-shell gourds (Lagenaria spp.) are good choices for painting.

Gourds require a long growing season, abundant sunshine, warm temperatures and plenty of space to accommodate their spreading vines. They prefer fertile, slightly acidic soil. The use of trellises on which vines can climb helps to keep developing gourds off the ground, where they are more likely to rot or become discolored from contact with soil.

Once gourds have ripened, usually in late summer or early autumn, they should be harvested, leaving a portion of the stem attached, then washed, dried, and cured. Gourds should be handled carefully to avoid any damage to their skins. An article by Purdue University Extension (https://www.purdue.edu/hla/sites/yardandgarden/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2016/10/HO-135.pdf ) recommends washing them in warm soapy water, rinsing with a mixture of clean water and household disinfectant and drying with a soft cloth.

After cleaning, gourds should be placed on screens or newspaper in a warm, dry, shaded area with good air circulation for approximately one week. They should not be allowed to touch each other and should be turned daily. During this time the skin will harden. After the skin has hardened, gourds need to be allowed to cure in a warm, dry, dark area. (Purdue University Extension) The length of time required will depend upon the gourd variety, thickness, size and conditions. Usually, a gourd is thoroughly cured when it feels hollow and the seeds inside it rattle when it is shaken.

Gourds should be scrubbed or sanded prior to painting to remove any surface mold or dirt that has accumulated. Depending on their intended use, such as for a birdhouse, the seeds and dried pulp will need to be removed. A drill can be used to carefully cut a hole that will allow for their removal and serve as the birdhouse entrance. This is also the time to add small holes from which to hang the gourd. Wearing a mask while sanding and removing pulp and seeds is recommended.

Prepared gourds are now ready for painting and can be used for other crafts as well. Often, the shape of the gourd will help the painter decide on what it will become. Painted gourds can turn into animals, birds, penguins, flowers, birdhouses, dolls, holiday ornaments, landscape scenes and just about anything the painter can imagine.

It’s important to note that considerable time is needed to grow gourds from seed and then cure, clean and decorate them. Many steps are involved and, as with all new projects, learning as much as possible before beginning will increase the likelihood of a successful outcome. Detailed information and tutorials are available from the American Gourd Society at https://www.americangourdsociety.org/gourd-growing-tutorials.html.

Further information is available from Iowa State Extension at https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2000/8-25-2000/gourds.html .

Those interested in trying their hands at gourd painting are invited to stop in at the Master Gardener exhibit at the SPCA Pet Extravaganza on Oct. 1 at Riverview Park on Farrandsville Road. They will have cured gourds, as well as paint and brushes available at a cost of $5. Master Gardeners will be on hand to assist and answer questions and will also provide handouts on growing and decorating gourds.

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Debra C. Burrows, PhD is a retired Penn State Extension Educator and certified Master Gardener. She can be reached at dcb3@psu.edu.