How do you preserve gourds?

Question

How do you preserve gourds?

Answer 1

Things You’ll Need:

Flat Hobby Paintbrushes

Paste Wax

Gourds

Liquid Bleach

Varnish

Kitchen Strings

Step1--Harvest ripe gourds at the end of the growing season after the stem has turned brown.

Step2--Keep a few inches of the stem attached to the gourd when harvesting.

Step3--Remove excess soil from gourd.

Step4--Attach a rubber band or string to the stem.

Step5--Hang the gourd in a dark, well-ventilated area such as a garage or basement.

Step6--Remove mold as it forms on the skin of the gourd with a 10 percent solution of bleach.

Step7--Tap the gourd with your hand every month or so. When it is dry to the touch and has a hollow sound, it is ready to use.

Paint dry gourds with varnish or coat with a layer of paste wax to preserve the finish.



Gourds will dry in 2 to 4 months, depending on the amount of heat and ventilation available in the drying area.