Plain and simple, gourds are fun to grow and if you are growing gourds next year, it’s time to start planning. We grow about six different types of gourds each summer, starting the seed indoors in mid-spring and moving the plants to the garden once the risk of frost has passed in May.
There are two main types – hard-shell (Lagenaria siceraria) and ornamental (Cucurbita pepo). The vines of hard-shell gourds have pretty, white flowers that open at night and produce green or mottled fruits in an assortment of shapes and sizes. The gourds can be dried after harvest, turning a soft tan colour, and kept indefinitely. The cured fruits of hard-shell gourds have been used for centuries in crafts, as musical instruments (for example, maraca’s), and put to more practical uses as bottles, dippers, bowls, bushels, birdhouses, and baskets.
Ornamental gourds, on the other hand, are related to pumpkins and squash and are best enjoyed in autumn, fresh from their vines and used for seasonal décor. The plants produce golden yellow blooms, much like their pumpkin cousins, which mature into colourful fruits. Unlike hard-shell gourds, these fruits do not dry well, but they can be waxed or shellacked after harvest to help extend their lifespan. Like hard-shell gourds, there is a wide mix of fruit shapes and sizes, but ornamental gourds have a much larger colour range that includes yellow, gold, green, orange and white.
Gourds are nutrient pigs and when growing gourds, you’ll need to find a sunny spot with rich, well-drained soil. Work in a generous amount of compost or aged manure and add a few handfuls of organic fertilizer before setting out your seedlings.
Gourds can be grown on the ground, where their long vines will sprawl in every direction, but I prefer to grow them up a sturdy A-frame trellis. Growing them vertically keeps their rampant growth under control, uses up less precious garden space and keeps the fruits clean. Plus, it helps my snake gourds grow long and straight.
Here are a few of my favourites – and the kids think they’re pretty cool too!
Are you going to be growing gourds in your garden?
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Fertile, well drained soil, or high quality organic potting soil. Position Full sun to partial afternoon shade. Frost tolerant Bay is a half-hardy shrub or small tree that can tolerate winter temperatures no lower than 20F (-7C). In cold climates, bay is best grown in a container that can be kept indoors in winter. Feeding Fertilize bay grown in containers with an organic water soluble fertilizer every three weeks from
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Any sunny site with good drainage. Position Full sun to partial afternoon shade. Frost tolerant No. Buckwheat cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Feeding When using buckwheat to improve very poor soil, mixing a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil before planting will give better results. Companions Brussels Sprouts and Kale. Mixes well with upright flowers, and makes an attractive backdrop for herbs. A
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Fertile, well-drained soil. Position Full sun to partial shade. Frost tolerant None. Cleome cannot tolerate cold temperatures. Feeding Mix a light application of a balanced organic fertilizer into the soil prior to planting. In midsummer, drench plants with a liquid plant food to stimulate new growth. Companions Tomato, Dahlia and Cosmos. Cleome looks best when planted in large clumps or masses. Tall variet
Crop Rotation Group Miscellaneous ● Soil Warm, well-drained soil enriched with composted manure or other rich compost. Position Full sun. Frost tolerant No. Feeding Needs more nitrogen than other vegetables. Mix an organic fertilizer into the soil before planting, following label application rates. When tassels form, feed plants second time. Companions Beans, Dill, Marigold, Sunflower, Cucumber, Melon, Peas and Squash. Spacing Single Plants: 1 1&q