Gourds

gobs · « **Reply #15 on:** December 18, 2007, 17:47 »

And they need to be very ripe :!: Sounding kinda hollow when knocking on the plant already.

Rob the rake · « **Reply #16 on:** December 18, 2007, 17:50 »

I went for the standard bottle gourd, although I did think about the dipping type. Gobs may be able to tell us how the dippers are used, but I reckon they might be used like a wine thief, with a hole at both ends. You pop it in the liquid, let it fill, then cover the end with your thumb and lift it out. The liquid stays in the thief until you remove your thumb.

gobs · « **Reply #17 on:** December 18, 2007, 21:55 »

That's pretty much how they are used, only you also need a hole for sucking, as far as I remember to understand it. They never got the kids to steal wine, you see, and after that the barrels were all on the tap.

Rob the rake · « **Reply #18 on:** December 20, 2007, 10:13 »

Here are some good sites for info and ideas on bottle gourds.

http://www.gourdsbyjeanie.com/birdhousegourds.htm

http://www.gitaland.com/tutorials/tutivy.html

http://www.amishgourds.com/site/1278922/page/441648

Rob the rake · « **Reply #19 on:** December 20, 2007, 10:17 »

And some rather good advice...

*Warning: The interior dust of gourds can cause lasting lung problems. When emptying out the interiors of your gourds, cutting or drilling, please use a dust mask and work in a well ventilated location. Do not do this in your house!

:shock: :shock:

gobs · « **Reply #20 on:** December 20, 2007, 10:21 »

Well, I know how to blow eggs, but have no idea how they take the insides out of these things, when you only have a few small holes, like for a wine stealer?

Rob the rake · « **Reply #21 on:** December 20, 2007, 10:25 »

Gourds are more than 90% water. When dried out properly they're pretty much hollow anyway.

gobs · « **Reply #22 on:** December 20, 2007, 10:29 »

Yes, and the lot of seeds are rattling in them as a musical instrument, if you shake them!

Rob the rake · « **Reply #23 on:** December 20, 2007, 10:32 »

I've got a few pumpkins left over which didn't ripen completely. Imagine the bird houses I could make out of those! Ideal for attracting eagles to your plot.

gobs · « **Reply #24 on:** December 20, 2007, 11:40 »

I think most eagles nest without a house, Rob.

Drying pumpkin things:

They were used in a multitude of ways throughout the world and centuries.

fishing

And something to cover your bits up:

DD. · « **Reply #25 on:** December 20, 2007, 11:43 »

gobs - I think you need to downsize your piccies before posting!!

gobs · « **Reply #26 on:** December 20, 2007, 11:46 »

Quote from: "DD."

gobs - I think you need to downsize your piccies before posting!!

I know, I would have done if it was mine and would not be having so much trouble posting these days, I thought I could get away with it once. :oops:

Sorry. :roll:

trapper · « **Reply #27 on:** January 18, 2008, 18:15 »

Is it essential to grow these in a greenhouse / polytunnel!! or can they be planted outside , they would make a great screen. :oops:

Rob the rake · « **Reply #28 on:** January 18, 2008, 19:02 »

In order to be successful they need night temperatures in excess of 50 degrees F. I can't grow butternuts successfully outside, and their requirements are similar.

Trillium · « **Reply #29 on:** January 18, 2008, 20:19 »

We grow them outside here, and have about 15 varieties available. A specific gourd grower comes every year to our garden festivals - but didn't last year when I finally decided I wanted to buy seeds and instructions, drat. Hope she's there this year. The one I'm after is called Pagoda I believe.
They last because once they're dried, they get a few coats of outdoor varnish or varathane to protect them. Mine won't be brilliant colours as it would only attract pests, both 4 and 2 legged varieties. Check proper bird house building books for correct sizings for openings.

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