Any takers? We might have a frost tonight and a freeze tomorrow night, so I would really appreciate some guidance.
I'm moving all the birdhouse gourds to the porch, where its warmer, but I'm just not sure how to deal with the less-ripe dipper gourds. Thanks!

Hi Cath - you know gourds can be left to just dry on the vine with little harm - many do it that way. Your growing season for them is clearly over so what you have now in the way of number and size is all you will get. It's your choice - cover them if you wish, harvest them, or just let them be.

If it were me I'd likely harvest the best sized ones and let the rest remain on the vines. When you harvest be sure to leave about 2-3 inches of stem attached and store them some place dry.

Dave

Here is a link that might be useful: Pumpkin, Squash & Gourds Forum

Dave us right. You are done for this year. Did you get a late start?

1eyedJack and the Dawg

I am leaving mine on the plants this year. Last year the ones we missed picking turned out better than the ones we brought in and cured.

THanks everyone,
The birdhouse gourds I planted around mid May. The dipper gourds were probably 2-3 weeks later.
So are you guys saying that I shouldn't worry about a freeze? I'm sure it would kill the stems and leaves, but do the gourds tolerate it?

Catherine, the cold weather doesn't bother the gourds at all. Like tomakers, the one gourd I overlooked last year was better than the ones I brought in. They will dry very nicely on the vine.

Thanks peggy,
Would that also apply to my dipper gourds that are a bit behind in their maturity?

So are you guys saying that I shouldn't worry about a freeze? I'm sure it would kill the stems and leaves, but do the gourds tolerate it?

Yes, that is what we are all saying. ;)

Would that also apply to my dipper gourds that are a bit behind in their maturity?

Yes. Peggy said "cold weather doesn't bother gourds at all". Variety makes no difference.

Next year try to get them planted much earlier. All varieties of gourds need as long a growing session as possible for best results. Starting them from seed inside so they are ready to transplant as soon as the ground warms a bit gets you a good head start.

The Gourd forum linked above has a great deal of additional info contained in the many posts there as well as lots of general tips and tricks for success.

Good luck and enjoy your gourds.

Dave

Thanks Dave!