The Growing

Initially, the 3-4 plants you left in the mound will look small but will quickly become bigger and send out viney arms.

Gourd vines may be allowed to run across the ground, or they may be grown up arbors, trellises and fences.  Growing gourds off the ground protects them from ground dwelling insects and helps them grow more symmetrically.  Fencing can be used for smaller gourds.  Sturdier arbors are needed for larger gourds.  Very large gourds, such as bushel gourds, are too heavy for arbors and trellises and have to be grown on the ground, hopefully elevated to avoid direct contact with damp soil.

Irrigation: Gourds need a good watering once a week during the growing season.  Water the hills, not the foliage as watering the leaves encourages foliage diseases.  Toward the end of the growing season, withhold extra water so the gourds will begin to harden off before frost.

Fertilizer: A side dressing of a low nitrogen garden fertilizer such as 5-10-5 may be added when the gourds begin to form.  Do not add a high nitrogen fertilizer late in the season as this will encourage jungle-like growth and actually delay fruit maturity.

Cultivation:  Gourds have shallow, laterally running roots.  Do not cultivate too closely to plants.  Mulching will help retain water and keep weeds under control.