Growing and Using Gourds

Every spring I wrestle with whether or not to grow gourds. You can't eat them, so why devote precious space to them? That's what I try and convince myself, but it never works. Every fall, I'm glad I have no will power. Like a field full of pumpkins, gourds bring a smile to my face.

Gourds are incredibly easy to grow. Toss some seeds and stand back. They are huge vines, but they deliver. You can dry, paint, glaze or otherwise preserve them to enjoy forever. And you can save the seeds for next year.

• Growing Ornamental Gourds
• Drying Gourds
• Making Gourd Birdhouses

Photo: © Marie Iannotti