Preparing the Ground

Gourds need 100-180 days of full sun to grow and mature on the vine.  

Prepare the soil ahead of time in order to plant the seeds or seedlings as soon as possible after the last frost date in your area. Choose a location that receives full sun and has ample space to accommodate rampantly growing vines. Although soil should be deep, well-drained and adequately pulverized, any type of soil will do if it is properly irrigated and fertilized. 

If needed, turn in well-rotted manure and/or a good 10-10-10 fertilizer, preferably one month before planting. Plant seeds or seedlings in a hill just above the hole. Gourds enjoy growing in a soil PH of 6.5 to 6.8.

If soil is shallow or extremely poor, dig a hole about
1 foot deep (a shovel depth).

Fill the hole with a mixture of soil, compost, and well-rotted manure. Once the base is constructed,

top off the hole in a hill with the remaining soil taken from the hole initially.  Build a rim of dirt

around the hole so as to have a slight rise so

water runs into, and not away from, the hill.