can anyone tell me when I need to harvest my gourds....when do I pick them?

Answer 1

Any plant that grows from a vine, be it squash, mellons, gourds, or what ever, is approaching maturity when the vine starts to 'wither'. The vine leading to the fruit will beome a bit darker in color (or harder in texture) and /or show obvious signs of drying. You're getting close!

Don't become impatient. You have invested too much thus far to get in a hurry now. They will be just fine. Providing you let them do their job.

If you want an early harvest, look at the vines leading to the fruit. The vines with the that are the darkest color, are those that are most mature.

Enjoy your bounty!

Answer 2

Just read up on it a few minutes ago in a 12 months of harvesting book.
It said: Pick gourds after the stem turn brownish. Must be picked before the first frost arrives, even if the stems have not turned. Punch the end close to the stem with long needle or sharp stick to let air inside for faster drying. Hang in onion sacks for several months in a well ventilated place. The seeds will rattle when the insides are dry.
More info? If some moisture appears on the skin just wipe away: this is a normal part of the inside drying process. When gourds are dry, spray or paint with shellac or acrylic spray.
To make bowls and jugs, cut into the dried gourds with sharp saw and scrape out the insides. Clean ou inside with a pot scrubber and treat with several coats of shellac for a smooth finish.
For bird houses soften the dried gourd in water and then start a hole with an apple corer, or wood working it. Sand smooth and hang in the nearest tree.
MASTER GARDENER MSUE

Answer 3

Wait until the stems turn brown & the vine dies. You can also start to hear the seeds inside rattle when you shake the gourd. This sometimes takes way into the fall or early winter.

Answer 4

HERE IS A WEB SITE THAT HAS ALL KINDA OF INFO ON IT. I ALWAYS LET A LITTLE FROST KILL THE VINES DOWN A BIT AND GIVE IT TIME TO 'CURE' AND NEVER HAVE PROBLEMS. IF YOU DO IT TOO SOON THE GOURDS WILL GET SOFT AND ROT. HAVE FUN WITH THEM!

Answer 5

I have seen them in green and orange coloring, suggesting they were picked before they were totally dry. If that is what you are going for, wait until the colors are nice and intense with good contrast.

If you want to wait until they are dry, let them sit out until you can hear the seeds rattling around inside when you shake them.

Answer 6

Probably around October

Answer 7

When they are lite brown and dry.

Answer 8

when the vines die