5 Ways To Dry Gourds - WikiHow

Home » How To Dry A Gourd » 5 Ways To Dry Gourds - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Dry Gourds PDF download Download Article Reviewed by Ben Barkan

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Drying Gourds in the Field
    • |
  • Drying Gourds off the Vine
    • |
  • Hanging Gourds to Dry
    • |
  • Greenscaping Gourds
    • |
  • Cleaning Gourds after They are Dried
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 94% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 234,246 times.

Drying gourds seems to be embedded in human DNA--we as a species have been drying gourds for thousands of years to make tools, vessels, utensils, instruments and all types of arts and crafts. Take up this archaic pastime and try out these different methods.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 5:

Drying Gourds in the Field

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Leave the gourds on the vines where they grow. 1 Leave the gourds on the vines where they grow. Mature gourds can handle frost and can even withstand a few cycles of freezing and thawing. As the plant turns brown and dies, the gourds dry and fall off.
    • If the gourds have matured by the end of the growing season but have not had time to dry, you can leave them on the vine over winter. When the snow melts and exposes them in the spring, they will continue drying where they left off in the fall. However, there is a risk that they will rot if you leave them over winter.
  2. Step 2 Pick up a gourd and shake it. 2 Pick up a gourd and shake it. Dried gourds are lightweight and hollow. Listen for the sound of seeds rattling around inside. Sometimes, however, the seeds stick to the inside of the gourd before drying and do not rattle. The seeds can be used for other uses as stock. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Gather the gourds from the field when they are fully dry. 3 Gather the gourds from the field when they are fully dry. If they are still attached to the plant, you can cut the vine flush with the gourd or leave a piece of stem intact--leaving the gourd is purely ornamental when you dry the gourd on the vine.
  4. Step 4 Compost any gourds that started to rot before fully drying. 4 Compost any gourds that started to rot before fully drying. No matter how you choose to dry gourds, a small percentage of them will always rot--be prepared for this.
    5. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 5:

Drying Gourds off the Vine

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Cut the mature gourds off of the vines when the leaves and stem begin turning brown. 1 Cut the mature gourds off of the vines when the leaves and stem begin turning brown. Use sharp pruners to make a nice, even cut. Leave 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) of stem attached to each gourd. Leaving this bit of stem is important because it helps with the evaporation of water. The skin of the gourd is hard and non-porous, so the porous stem is necessary to let moisture escape from the gourd.
    • If you have gourds that are considered immature (it is fleshy and bright green) and are concerned that the first frost will kill them, cut them from the vine and use them as temporary decorations. You generally will not be able to dry these gourds. You can also leave them on the vine--occasionally they will be hardened by the frost rather than killed.
  2. Step 2 Wash the gourds with warm soapy water. 2 Wash the gourds with warm soapy water. Doing this removes bacteria and helps prevent rotting.[1]
    • You can also soak them for 20 minutes in a solution of one part household bleach and nine parts warm water.
  3. Step 3 Rinse them with clear cold water after washing or soaking. 3 Rinse them with clear cold water after washing or soaking. This will get rid of any residual soap or bleach.
  4. Step 4 Choose a spot outdoors where the gourds can sit and dry. 4 Choose a spot outdoors where the gourds can sit and dry. The gourds can dry in a cold location, but keep in mind that repetitive freezing and thawing can often damage the seeds inside the gourds. In turn, damage to the seeds will make it so that the seeds cannot be replanted.
    • You can also dry gourds in a garage, barn or inside of the house, but they will get the best air circulation if you allow them to dry outside. It may take several months for the gourds to dry fully. Keep in mind that large quantities of drying gourds give off an unpleasant odor. If you dry them inside your home, it will take some time to get rid of the smell.
  5. Step 5 Lay the gourds in a single layer on an elevated surface. 5 Lay the gourds in a single layer on an elevated surface. The surface should be a structure like a wood pallet. Elevating the platform allows for increased air circulation--the air will be able to circulate around them from every direction.[2]
  6. Step 6 Keep in mind that drying time varies. 6 Keep in mind that drying time varies. Depending on the size of the gourd, it could take from six weeks to a whole year to dry fully.[3]
  7. Step 7 Remove any mould that grows. 7 Remove any mould that grows. Use the dull side of a butter knife to scrape the mould off. You can also wash mould off with a rag. If a gourd becomes soft, you will have to throw it out.
  8. Step 8 Rotate the gourds. 8 Rotate the gourds. Turn the gourds over once every 1 to 2 weeks to expose the bottom to air.
    9. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 5:

Hanging Gourds to Dry

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Hang gourds from the stalk. 1 Hang gourds from the stalk. If you only have a few gourds to dry, tie a string to the stalk and hang them from tree branches to dry.[4]
    • You can also hang gourds in well ventilated buildings, or along fences. Hanging them on fences can give your yard a festive fall look as well.
  2. Step 2 Use a nail to puncture two to three small holes in the end of the gourd. 2 Use a nail to puncture two to three small holes in the end of the gourd. This is an optional way to dry gourds by hanging them. Run a string through the holes and hang the gourds upside down. Be aware that puncturing the gourds may lead to mold growth inside of the gourds.[5]
  3. Step 3 Put a drip pan or newspapers under hanging gourds to catch the dripping fluid. 3 Put a drip pan or newspapers under hanging gourds to catch the dripping fluid. If you don't mind having holes in your dried gourd, this may speed up the drying process.
    4. Advertisement
Method 4 Method 4 of 5:

Greenscaping Gourds

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Know the pros and cons of greenscaping. 1 Know the pros and cons of greenscaping. Greenscaping is a controversial process. Some growers recommend it to speed the drying process and decrease the chance of dark mold staining. Other growers say greenscaping, or doing anything to the surface of the gourd before it is fully dry, increases the risk of damage and infection.
  2. Step 2 Let the gourds dry after they have been harvested. 2 Let the gourds dry after they have been harvested. Only dry them for a few weeks (they will only become slightly dried.)
  3. Step 3 Use a dull kitchen butter knife to gently scrape away the outer layer of the skin. 3 Use a dull kitchen butter knife to gently scrape away the outer layer of the skin. Doing this will reveal lighter layer below.
  4. Step 4 Finish drying the greenscaped gourds. 4 Finish drying the greenscaped gourds. Place the gourds in a warm, well-ventilated, and light area. Turn them every 2 to 3 days if you are drying them on a flat surface.
    • Know that if the gourds dry too quickly they will most likely wrinkle.
    5. Advertisement
Method 5 Method 5 of 5:

Cleaning Gourds after They are Dried

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Clean the gourd after it has dried completely. 1 Clean the gourd after it has dried completely. Submerge the gourds in a bucket of warm, soapy water. This helps to loosen the skin and mold that may have developed on the outer surface.[6]
    • You can add bleach to the water to give the gourds a uniform color but this is not necessary.
  2. Step 2 Use the dull side of a table knife to scrape the outer skin off. 2 Use the dull side of a table knife to scrape the outer skin off. During the drying process, the outer skin may become wrinkled or stained. In general, you will want to scrape it off.
    • You can also use steel wool or sandpaper to remove the outer layer of skin. However, using either of these tools will result in scratch marks. Only use sandpaper or steel wool if you plan on painting the gourd.
  3. Step 3 Fill any small holes or cracks with wood putty. 3 Fill any small holes or cracks with wood putty. While this is not necessary, it will give the surface of your gourd a uniform texture. You can also sand the inside of the gourd so that it is smooth.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How can I make a gourd canteen/water bottle for storing water? Community Answer Community Answer Drill a hole in the top of the gourd, clean it out, and find a cork big enough for the hole you drilled. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 14
  • Question Can I leave the seeds inside the gourd for the rattle instead of removing them? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. I would suggest drying your gourd in the oven in this case. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 21
  • Question Will a small, not-fully grown gourd ever dry off the vine? Community Answer Community Answer Depending on how small it is, the younger the gourd, the less its chance to dry. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 7
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Although it is perfectly fine for mature or drying gourds to be exposed to frost and freezing temperatures, if you are growing gourds to harvest the seeds for planting do not let them freeze. Once frozen, the seeds are no longer viable. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
  • Mold frequently develops on the outer surface of gourds while they dry. This is normal and does not need to be cleaned off. As the gourd continues to dry, the mold also dries up and falls off. However, the mold will darken and discolor the surface. Wipe or scrape the mold off if you prefer an evenly colored gourd. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Dry Gourds for DecoratingHow toDry Gourds for Decorating Clean GourdsHow to Clean the Inside & Outside of a Gourd Dry Birdhouse GourdsHow toDry Birdhouse Gourds Grow GourdsHow toGrow Gourds Paint a GourdHow toPaint a Gourd Dry Pumpkin SeedsThe Best Ways to Make Dried & Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Grow Bottle Gourd from SeedsHow to Grow Bottle Gourd from Seeds Preserve a PumpkinHow toPreserve a Pumpkin Make Dried FruitHow toMake Dried Fruit Cure BambooHow toCure Bamboo Dry GarlicHow toDry Garlic Dry WalnutsHow toDry Walnuts Clean Pumpkin SeedsHow toClean Pumpkin Seeds Dry TobaccoHow toDry Tobacco Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ http://www.gardenersnet.com/vegetable/gourdsdry.htm
  2. ↑ https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/2000/8-25-2000/gourds.html
  3. ↑ http://marthasgourds.com/gourdinfo/dryinggourds.php
  4. ↑ https://www.mygardenlife.com/how-to/decorating-with-gourds-how-to-dry-a-gourd
  5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TgWnWqmZ2Q
  6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWcJJ6Z7yUU

About This Article

Ben Barkan Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer This article was reviewed by Ben Barkan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 234,246 times. 64 votes - 94% Co-authors: 17 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 234,246 Categories: Drying Food Article SummaryX

You can leave your gourds to dry on the vines in the field. Just pick them up and shake them periodically. When you hear the seeds rattling around, the gourds are dry and you should cut them off their vines. Another way to dry your gourds is to cut them from the vines when the leaves and stems begin turning brown. Give them a good wash and rinse, then lay them in a single layer on an elevated surface somewhere outdoors. Be sure to rotate them once in a while, and scrape off any mold you see growing. If you want to learn how to hang your gourds up to drive, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Spanish French Portuguese Chinese Russian Indonesian Dutch Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 234,246 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Brenda Wooten

    Brenda Wooten

    Sep 20, 2016

    "I had gourds last year. I picked them early and soaked them in Clorox water and kept them in a dark cabinet. Every..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Ben Barkan Reviewed by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer Co-authors: 17 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 234,246 94% of readers found this article helpful. 64 votes - 94% Click a star to add your vote Brenda Wooten

Brenda Wooten

Sep 20, 2016

"I had gourds last year. I picked them early and soaked them in Clorox water and kept them in a dark cabinet. Every..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 8, 2017

"I was initially told that I had to wear a respirator when cleaning off the mold but according to this info, a good..." more Katie Hodges

Katie Hodges

Oct 1, 2019

"Great information all in one location. Any question about the process of drying gourds that I hadn't thought..." more Rose Damon

Rose Damon

Nov 8, 2018

"This will be my first time, so I find this information very valuable. I look forward to coming back with more..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Feb 12, 2017

"I learned more about drying inside. Hang drying is cool also. Liked the wood putty to patch little holes. Next year..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Veggie Am I QuizWhat Veggie Am I QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Dry Gourds for DecoratingHow toDry Gourds for DecoratingClean GourdsHow to Clean the Inside & Outside of a GourdDry Birdhouse GourdsHow toDry Birdhouse GourdsGrow GourdsHow toGrow Gourds

Featured Articles

Remove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeHow toRemove Shorts from Search Results on YouTubeWhat Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)What Are the Korean Animal Face Types? (And Which Type Do You Have?)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh115+ Funny “Get Well Soon” Messages to Make Someone Laugh110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & Icebreakers110+ “Fun Facts” for Interviews, Introductions, & IcebreakersHow Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?How Long Would You Survive In A Zombie Apocalypse?

Trending Articles

Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Which Fictional Character Would Crush On You?Who Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizWho Is Secretly Crushing On Me Right Now QuizAttractiveness Score QuizAttractiveness Score QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizIs My Crush Pretending Not to Like Me QuizHypersexuality TestHypersexuality TestWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Featured Articles

Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)How to Roast Someone in a Rap Battle (Plus the Best Bars of All Time)What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out With

Featured Articles

What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Will 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureWill 2026 Be Your Year? Reveal Your FutureUnderstanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)

Watch Articles

Tie a Loop KnotHow toTie a Loop KnotMake Body OilHow toMake Body OilMake Almond MilkHow toMake Almond MilkWash White Clothes by HandHow toWash White Clothes by HandSkin a ChickenHow toSkin a ChickenClean Tile Floors with VinegarHow toClean Tile Floors with Vinegar

Trending Articles

What Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizWhat Are My Soulmate's Initials QuizChoose Your Own Adventure GameChoose Your Own Adventure GameYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb CrushesYour Red Flag Based On Your Celeb Crushes151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to Ask151 of the Juiciest “Most Likely To” Questions to AskAm I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizWhat Is Your Lip Type?What Is Your Lip Type?

Quizzes & Games

Impossible English TestImpossible English TestTake QuizWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeWhat’s The Perfect Hair Care Routine For MeTake QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizWhat Kind of Ghost Will I Be QuizWhat Kind of Ghost Will I Be QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Food and Entertaining
  • Food Preparation
  • Food Preservation Techniques
  • Drying Food
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --728

Tag » How To Dry A Gourd