The planting season is upon us and as the spring blossom starts to appear it is time to start planning your garden. One thing you must definitely ensure you plant up is Gourds – they come in infinite varieties to experiment with and become the centre of interest whenever they are displayed.

You’re chosen Gourd seeds should be planted out after all danger of frost damage has passed. As Gourds need a fairly long growing season, gets a head start propagating the Gourd seeds about four weeks before you intend to grow them outside. A sunny position is ideal as these plants are heat loving. Some kind of stable and strong support is required for the vines to climb. A trellis or chain link fence would provide the perfect support for your Gourds. They would even enhance your fencing and make an extremely attractive living barrier when correctly trained.

Gourds have been propagated for centuries and are actually part of the family which includes pumpkin, melon, squash and cucumber. They have been grown for such purposes as bowls and ladles and even as ornamental objects such as birdhouses. The two different types of Gourds are known as either soft skinned Cururbita or hard skinned Gourds known as Lagenaria.

It is essential that the soft skinned Gourds are harvested before the onset of frost as they are likely to be tuned into soft mush. The hard skinned Curnbita Gourds are the ones are used in the splendid Harvest home displays and come in all shapes and sizes.

When hollowed out theses Gourds can be used as spectacular containers for fresh flower displays especially when combined with the traditional autumn flower decorations of Cattails Oak leaves and daisies.

The hard skinned Lagenaria type Gourds can be safely left out side even when the frosts have arrived and will mature splendidly on their vines until the onset of winter. Just bring them in and pit the in a dry cool place where they will turn from green gradually to the tan and mottled colors so beloved of lovers of Gourds

The way to tell that a Gourd is it becomes very light and when you pick up and shake them, the seeds can be heard rattling about inside. It is then dry and can be turned into the traditional long handed dippers, vessels and birdhouses that are so well known. Remember also that the luffa sponge is the dried inside fibre of a Gourd.

Gourds of all shapes and sizes can become exotic looking flower displays. They can be painted and carved to make curious and exceptionally attractive crafted objects collectable in their own right. The limit with these fascinating Gourds is only limited by your own imagination. Make sure there is room in your garden to grow and enjoy Gourds today!