Drying gourds is a long process that can take anywhere from 3 to 6+ months. Although it takes a long time it is very easy to do requiring only minimal attention. There are many variables that impact how long this process takes and how labor-intensive it is. The look of the finished gourd is also impacted by what drying method is used.
In this article I will give you all the information you need to plan the best drying method for your gourds.
How you Dry your Gourds Affects the Look of the Gourd
The first thing that must be considered when planning how you will dry your gourds is what you plan to do with the gourds in the end. Do you want a natural-looking gourd covered with unique organic patterns or do you want a perfectly smooth beige gourd ready to paint
Drying gourds indoors allows molds to grow on the surface that leaves complex beautiful patterns on the gourds. Once cleaned and sterilized these naturally decorated gourds can be used to make really beautiful art. Drying gourds outdoors keeps down molds from growing on the gourd and allows the skin of the gourd to breakdown and wash off easily. This leaves you with a smooth tan gourd that is much easier to clean than a gourd dried indoors.
Let Vines Die Before Picking Gourds
Unless you plan to let your gourds stay where they grew for the entire drying period, you will have to pick your gourds off the vine. It is best to wait until the vines are completely dry before collecting them. This will ensure that the gourds get a chance to mature fully. When gourds are not fully mature they are more likely to rot and are not as strong when they do dry properly.
Drying Gourds Indoors
Drying gourds indoors is more labour intensive than drying them outdoors but for many projects the naturally decorated gourds that come from it make it worth is. Drying gourds indoors does bring mold into your indoor space so it is important to keep drying gourds away from living areas and ensure good air flow in your drying space.
Drying gourds inside tends to take much less time than drying them outdoors since it is warmer.
Drying Gourds on Racks
Lay gourds on racks that allow for airflow all around the gourds. I have used clothing racks, propped up fencing, and skids but anything that keeps gourds off the ground and allows airflow will work. I like to cover the racks with old blankets or cardboard so that if I have any rotted gourds I can easily clean up.
Lay out the gourds on your rack so that they are not touching. Every few weeks you should turn the gourds so that they are not always sitting on one side to help prevent rot making sure to discard any gourd that is starting to rot.
Hanging Gourds to Dry
If space is limited gourds can be hung to dry. Simply tie the gourds by the stem and hang them in a basement, garage, or any other indoor space that is not used as living space. Hanging gourds to dry reduces the need to turn them as they get proper air flow on all sides but it is still important to monitor for any rotting gourds to avoid any messes.
Drying Gourds Outside
Drying gourds outdoors is a great option for anyone who does not have a proper space to dry gourds indoors. It also reduces some of the labour of moving gourds around and setting up a drying space. As well as, leaving you with gourds that are much easier to clean.
The end result is generally good but does depend on external factors that are out of your control. Freeze/thaw cycles and nibbling animals can affect the success of the crop. With that being said, the success rate of drying gourds outdoors is usually very close to that of bringing them indoors.
Drying Gourds on the Vine
The easiest method is to dry gourds in the field where they were grown. As the weather warm, it is a good idea to turn the gourds occasionally to prevent one side from rotting as it sits on the dirt.
I live in Southern Ontario (zone 4) where we have cold winters that sometimes hover above zero. I can successfully dry gourds outdoors even with the cold and unpredictable freeze thaw cycles. In warmer or colder (less freeze/thaw fluctuation) outdoor drying will also work, likely with an even higher success rate.
Drying Gourds in Piles
Once the gourds are ready to be picked they can be collected and dried in a pile. I recommend piling them on a skid or other rack so that they are not directly on the ground. This helps prevent rotting. Occasionally, the gourds should be sorted to remove any rotted ones.