It is my understanding that mold is a natural process for gourds that are drying.I know I have several that were not cleaned when I bought them that are covered with mold. If I am wrong I'm sure someone will correct me...........Lillie

Lillie's right, don't toss them. Mold is natural to gourds. If you don't like it you can wipe it off. I've actually sprayed mine with Tilex to stop the growth before, gives a nicer, cleaner look when the gourd dries. Gourds dry from the inside out, and the moisture on the outside is the perfect place for the mold to grow. And frost isn't going to hurt a gourd, it'll just kill the vines. Most big gourd farmers leave their gourds out in the field to dry, and they don't worry about frost. :)

I find that scraping off the outer skin helps them to dry faster and they will not mold as bad.

How about the leaking ones? Is that ok also?

What about a hard freeze?

Maybe I should put them out in the shed and forget about them??

Leasa

If there's a hole they're leaking from, they're probably rotting. If they're just dripping and wet, but still feel firm, they're doing what gourds do... trying to dry themselves. Try to remember how heavy they were when you first picked them up. That's nearly all water, and the gourd has to work hard to get rid of it.

Put them in the shed or you could leave them in the field or on the fence you grew them on. Just make sure they have nice air circulation to help them dry. You may lose some, but that's nature's plan... we all lose a few every year. Gourds are friendly little fellers. For the most part, they'll dry right. Try not to fret over them. :)

Wow Casey, that is a wonderful idea about using the tilex to prevent mold!! One of these days when I can grow my own, I'm going to try out your idea.

Charlie

Worked like a charm for me, I have to tell you the first time I tried it I was in shock, and totally delighted. I was sure I'd lose the gourd for some dumb reason or another! I just figured, if it could kill the mildew in my grout it could probably help the gourds. :)

I'll add to the advice already given.
I move mine into my garden shed and unheated garage about this time of year (we've had several nights of below freezing central Ohio weather).

This includes a nice harvest of xtra long necked, some martin house, cannon bal, a few apple gourds and a handful of nest egg gourds.

The ones I don't scrap I just let dry and keep the mold off when I can. All in all they dry out nicely in 1-4 months.

Have fun!
Burt in Central Ohio

Thanks for all the advice!!!

Last night I gave all my gourds a bath in Joy dish soap I scrubbed off all the mold and on one some of the green came off too ;). Then, I found them places of honor all around the house for drying. I have them high and low, here and there, I figured I might as well watch them go thru the different stages of drying...My Boston Terrier was wondering what that big thing was when I placed it near "his" heater...

They are lighter! I notice that for sure!

Protect your floor and furniture, Leasa! Gourds are the original "drip-dry"! While the water's coming out, it'll go all over whatever you have under them!

The mold leaves some personality on the gourd when it is totally dried. If you keep removing the mold, or using the green scraping method-CAREFULLY remove only the green waxy coating when you first harvest the gourd and then let it dry-the gourd will be a uniform beige. I like the natural designed moldy ones when doing rim work/sun catchers-like grain on wood it has a personality of it own.