The Facts:

1.)     Gourd plants require heat and warm soil temperatures to reach maturity.

2.)     They take anywhere between 110 – 140 days to mature.

1.)     Gourd seeds have a thick woody shell and can be difficult to germinate.

2.)     Sprouting times can vary between 5 to 20 days depending on the variety & the thickness of the shells. Start your seeds six weeks before your proposed outdoor plant date.

3.)     Soak your seeds in pure water for 24 hours using a glass pie plate or pot. The soaking will soften the shells and aid in both the rate and speed of the germination.

Tran

            Transferring The Seeds To Peat Pots

  1.) Three-inch peat pots are ideal for gourd 

                 seedlings as they can be planted directly into the ground.

2.)     Use a good quality potting soil mixed with vermiculite & peat to improve drainage. Do not be tempted to use garden soil – weeds, pests and disease may exist.)

3.)     Water the soil and peat pots well before planting the seeds. Plant 2 seeds per pot 1/4" deep in opposite corners. Lay the seeds sideways - you will get good germination and there will be no confusion on which end goes up and which goes down.

4.)     Top up with soil, press it down and water lightly.

5.)     Keep warm. If using a green house, heat at night.

          

Next month we will discuss planting the gourd seedlings outside. Included will be where to plant, soil conditions, and whether to trellis or ground grow. In Canada most people plant the May 24th weekend if the weather is permitting. 

 

To order gourd seeds click here. 

http://www.northerndipper.com/seeds.php

---

April Workshops at Northern Dipper

 

There is even a workshop on making rainsticks.

Northern Dipper has an excellent line-up of workshops scheduled for the month of April. 'The Cat’s Meow', a class for beginners, will teach the ins and outs of that easy to use sculpting clay, Apoxie Sculpt. 

 

If your passion is for rims and embellishments, the tenerife weaving or philodendron couching course may be for you. There is lots to choose from so check it out at http://www.northerndipper.com/workshops.php  

---

Dear Carolyn

Hi there,

I just peeked in on my gourds on the back porch and was wondering if any of them are ready to be cleaned or is it too soon? I've got my Scrubbie ready. Jenn

 

Hi Jenn,

This is a perfect question for this time of year. It looks as though you have some lovely gourds there with nice shells and good colour. Unfortunately appearance alone cannot tell you whether the gourds are dry enough to clean and craft.

 

The final test is when you pick them up and shake them. If you can hear the seeds rattling around inside then you know they are ready. Do not use them before that as they will still be drying whether you craft them or not...remember Tonia's first experience with gourds! Thick walled gourds and especially Cannonballs may take until May to dry properly. 

 

Send us photos of what you do with these once they do dry. We would love to see your finished projects. Carolyn

PS A note of caution - when cleaning gourds always wear a good respirator mask. Mould in the lungs is not a good thing! For more info on respirator masks click here. http://www.northerndipper.com/tools.php

---

 Reader's Corner  

Marlene Leeson gave up the fast life in Toronto replacing it with the sleepy small town atmosphere of Plevna, Ontario. Inspired by the open spaces, small community feel and above all, the fresh air, Marlene has been revitalized. She has started her own home-based business and gourds are the major players.

               (From Northern Dipper Gourd Fever Issue 33)

 

 These gourd trinket boxes by Marlene Leeson are eye-catchers. The Japanese woman is wonderful and the blending of the colours on the fish - it is impressive. The rim on the lizard gourd is excellent as well - wooden beads can always

find a place in gourd art.