Gardening with Gourds

By J. A. Young

Gourds are among the most complex and visually interesting plants to grow in the garden. From common pumpkins and squashes to the exotic ornamental gourds, there is a wide variety to include in a gourd garden. Gourds will easily become the highlight of the garden, and after harvesting they will add delight to your cookery. Or dry them for crafts! They are both tasty and versatile. The following article pays tribute to the glorious world of gourds in the garden.

For a thriving gourd garden, the three most important ingredients are a well-fertilized soil, lots of sunlight and plenty of water. If you can provide these elements, you can grow gourds - in the ground or in containers depending on your preference and the types of gourds involved. Since all gourds grow on vines, they even make superb screens for problematic areas in your garden, like the tool shed or compost heap. Also, in order for gourds to mature, they need approximately 130 frost-free days to reach adulthood. Finally, when planting your gourds, be sure to allow enough room for roots and vines to spread. Plant your seeds or seedlings well after the first frost; soil should ideally be about 70 degrees.

When choosing gourds, consider your appetite first. Pumpkin pies and buttery squash baked with brown sugar is the epitome of autumn cuisine. You will also need to consider some heavy-duty supports for large heavy gourds. Gourds may be left to grow along the ground, as one commonly finds in pumpkin patches. But most gardeners prefer to train them upwards against a trellis because they are otherwise very invasive and aggressive spreaders, and you may not want your entire garden overrun by land-hungry pumpkins. Ornamental and mini-gourds can easily be grown in containers kept on the patio or balcony; a stake is required and sometimes a wire cylinder too.

The following list provides some short descriptions of gourds to grow in your garden for ornament, visual interest or great taste:

• Australian blue squash is quite popular in Australia but it has not quite caught on elsewhere. Give it a try in your own garden - these gourds not only look good, they taste good, too.
  
  
• Buttercup squash may not be the most visually stunning of the gourd group, but it is one of the tastiest. The sweet meat of this squash rivals sweet potatoes.
  
  

• Big Red pumpkins typically grow upwards of one hundred pounds. These are state fair fare and are perfect for gardens where children visit, because big pumpkins make big Jack-o-lanterns for Halloween.
  
  
• Connecticut Field pumpkins are a bit more ideal for Jack-o-lanterns. They generally weigh about fourteen pounds.
  
  
• Winter Luxury pumpkins are known to make the smoothest, best-tasting pumpkin pies - in other words, they are a must in any gourd garden.
  
  
• Valencia gourds boast a snowy sage color, a pale green that is lovely in any garden. A great table vegetable, these gourds are sometimes called Bohemian Heirloom.
  
  
• Jarrahdale gourds sport a forest green rind and rich orange flesh. They are a suitable vegetable for the table and make a lovely centerpiece for it as well.
  
  
• Rainbow squash is colored with shades of orange and green. It is shaped like a banana and may also be eaten as a table vegetable.
  
  
• Seminole is an attractive gourd with its light orange hue. It is also fine-tasting.
  
  
• Bicolor Pear, White Crown of Thorns and Japanese pie make wonderful ornamental gourds that are attractive for any table setting.<
  
  
• Jack Be Little gourds make darling decorations for the fall. They are not eaten but make great miniature ornaments.
  
  

These, of course, are only a sampling of the gourds you can grow in your own garden. The most practical reason to grow gourds is for the table, but gourds have other ambitions as well. Many gardeners transform their gourds into birdhouses and feeders. Gourds can be decorated for the holidays - Halloween certainly, but they also make interesting Santas and passable Easter bunnies if decorated properly. Many cultures employ gourds as elaborately crafted musical instruments like Indian sitars.

However you will use your gourds upon harvest is up to you, but growing them in your garden will be a delight for gardener and garden guests alike.

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