How to Grow Gourds on the Ground

This is your sign that a $3 pack of seeds is well worth the amount of gourds you’ll get to decorate your home. Imagine decorating every room in your house for $3!!!

How to Grow Gourds and Use for Fall Decor

This year was our first time growing gourds with our pumpkins. We’ve been growing pumpkins for several years, and I recommend that too. Both are relatively easy to grow from seed.

This year, we planted the gourds outside of the corn. The weeds got a little wild and I didn’t think we would get any. The leaves on the gourds weren’t nearly as big as the pumpkins, and in July, I thought we tried it.

I attempted to weed around the gourds, but there was a snake, and it just creeped me out too much. So I thought, eh.

But now that I’ve grown them and have them, I see HOW CHEAP it is to decorate my home for fall. I’ll make a new friend.

I’m pretty sure it was Pennington organic gourd seed packet I bought from Runnings, but I can’t find that one online. I’d try any of your local farm stores in early spring.

Here are some really close recommendations on Amazon for the ones I bought.

We did put our compost in the garden before planting. Our compost is pretty high in nitrogen, from the farm animals and pumpkins and gourds love that.

Besides that weeding once, they are doing their own thing.

You can make some really cool birdhouses with Gourds, too! Or paint them. The ideas are endless.

If you love fall and decorating for cheap, I highly encourage you to plant your own pumpkins( learn how to here) and gourds.

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of growing gourds and pumpkins in your garden. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you grow a bountiful harvest.

When to Plant the Seeds

Timing is everything! We planted our gourds and pumpkins the second week of June. We still have a fair number of pumpkins growing, and it’s the end of September.

How to Prepare the Soil

Gourds and pumpkins are heavy feeders, so rich, well-drained soil is key. Start by selecting a sunny spot in your garden, as these plants thrive on six to eight hours of sunlight daily.

Mix in plenty of organic matter, like compost or well-rotted manure, to boost the soil’s fertility. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, around 6.0 to 7.0, which you can test using a simple pH kit from your local garden center.

We tried planting pumpkins one year in a spot that occasionally got standing water in the summer, and they did NOT like it. Good compost and well-draining soil are key.

The Actual Planting

We made little hills of dirt—since we were cheap, we only made two per pile! We spaced each pile about 4 feet apart. We planted this on the perimeter of our corn garden. We used one seed packet. So far, we’ve gotten over 20 gourds, which is way cheaper than buying 20 gourds.

Watering Guidelines

Consistent watering is crucial for growing healthy gourds and pumpkins. Water deeply, about 1 to 1.5 inches per week, preferably in the morning to minimize evaporation. Avoid wetting the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds, giving your plants the best chance to flourish. But you do NOT need to mulch. I’m here to tell you those gourds got through the weeds! Of course plant at your own risk!

Pest Control Tips

The last thing you want is pests munching on your hard work. Keep an eye out for common offenders like squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids. Handpick any you see and consider using organic insecticidal soap if infestations become severe.

Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings, which can help keep pest populations in check. Also, rotating crops each year can prevent soil-borne diseases and pests from becoming a persistent problem.

Addressing Plant Diseases: The Silent Saboteurs

Diseases can quietly creep in and devastate your gourd plants. Stay vigilant with these preventative measures:

Rotate Crops: Practice crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases from taking hold.
Maintain Airflow: Space plants adequately and prune as needed to ensure good airflow, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
Regular Monitoring: Monitor plant health closely and remove diseased foliage promptly to stop the spread.

Another frugal tip when decorating is to put away certain things for each season. When you bring it out again, it feels fresh and new. This helps from buying new items every year. I switch up signs and everything.

You can hang baskets and change out what’s inside to match whatever holiday/season they are for. It’s a lot of fun and a heck of a lot cheaper to decorate with what you already have.

So, did I convince you? Go grab those Gourd seed packets.

if you can find wire baskets at your local garden centers or garage sales, filling them with gourds and pumpkins is a unique, easy and fun way to add a little seasonality to your front porch.

Q&A Section: Growing Gourds

Q: What types of climates are best for growing gourds?
A: Gourds thrive in warm, temperate climates. They prefer regions where the summer months are sunny and hot, requiring a lot of warmth to grow properly. However, they can also be grown in cooler climates if seeds are started indoors and transplanted after the last frost.

Q: How much space is needed to grow gourds?
A: Gourds are vining plants that need plenty of space to sprawl. Ideally, they should be planted about 4 to 5 feet apart if you’re letting them spread on the ground. If you’re using trellises, you can reduce this spacing slightly but still aim for around 3 feet between plants to ensure they have enough room to develop.

Q: Do gourds require full sun or partial shade?
A: Gourds love full sun and need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. This exposure is crucial for their growth and fruit production, so choose a sunny spot in your garden for planting.

Q: How often should gourds be watered?
A: Consistent watering is vital to growing healthy gourds. They should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water. During particularly dry spells, you might need to water more frequently. It’s important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Q: What type of soil is best for gourds?
A: Gourds prefer rich, well-draining soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH (between 6.0 and 7.0). Amending your garden soil with compost or well-rotted manure can provide the necessary nutrients and structure for optimal growth.

Q: Are there any common pests or diseases to watch out for?
A: Yes, gourds can be susceptible to pests like squash bugs and cucumber beetles, as well as diseases such as powdery mildew. Regularly inspecting your plants and maintaining good garden hygiene can help prevent infestations. Utilizing organic pesticides and encouraging beneficial insects can also aid in pest control.

Q: Can gourds be grown in containers?
A: While it’s possible, growing gourds in containers can be challenging due to their size and sprawling habit. If you choose to do so, use a large container with a trellis for support and ensure the soil is nutrient-rich and well-draining. Regular watering and feeding will be necessary to support their growth in a confined space.

These questions and answers aim to address common concerns and equip aspiring gardeners with the knowledge they need to cultivate their own gourds successfully.

How to Grow Gourds and Use for Fall Decor