Wednesday, March 2, 2016

Harvesting

The BIGGEST mistake gardeners make is harvesting their gourds too early!  

After frost, the leaves will die and for the first time the beautiful gourds show themselves.  It is so tempting to run down to the garden and harvest them. However, gourds need to be left on the vine as long as possible. A gourd is ripe and ready for harvesting when its stem and tendril have turned completely brown which will be well after frost. Use sharp shears/clippers and leave at least 3 inches of stem. Allow the green fruit to dehydrate over the next season or two in a well-ventilated area off the ground.

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