It’s that time of year in our zone for gourd planting! Growing gourds can be a very exciting and interesting adventure.  Meadowbrooke Gourds is located in Central Pennsylvania, which is in Zone 6 of the United States frost zone.  The instructions that we are going to share are based upon our zone and will vary if you live in different parts of the United States.  It is best to know what zone you are in when planning to grow gourds.

We begin our gourds inside by planting up to but no more than 2 seeds in a 3″ container or pot.  When you are finished potting your seeds-THOROUGHLY soak with water until it flows out the bottom of the pot.  After the initial watering, water like you would a normal house plant.  Soil for gourd seedlings can be on the dry side but do not let it dry out completely.  Keep seedlings in sun.  The more sun they receive, the stronger the plant you will have.  If they receive less light, you may have thin, less hearty plants.  You do not need to fertilize seedlings while they are still inside.

Around June 1st or AFTER THE THREAT OF FROST (this is very important, frost will kill your plants), plant outside in full sun leaving an 8′ area around each plant.  Each plant should have 64 square feet to grow in.  Gourd vines will take over fences, trelises, and other plants if left alone.  An option is to cut or trim ends back to keep them confined to an area.

When watering your plants, avoid getting water on the leaves to avoid the spread of diseases.  We suggest you use soaker hoses or drip irrigation.  Gourd plants actually like to be a little dry and be watered thoroughly when you start to see the leaves wilting.  Overwatering causes disease, large, thin shelled, low quality gourds with lots of vines.  Not enough water produces thick shelled, small, high quality gourds.  Just enough water produces thick shelled, properly sized, high quality gourds.

Check on gourds like you would any other plant that is in your garden.  You can fertilize your gourds like you would any other vine crop (cucumber, watermelon, pumpkins, etc.).  The optimal choice would be to have a soil test conducted and fertilize accordingly.

Happy Growing! Don’t forget, we offer gourd seed packets for sale on our website.

Create your own Spring Garland Class. This was our first time offering this class and we look forward to holding it again!

Elements to choose from for a spring gourd garland

Customer gourd garland creation

Customers painting their own butterfly house

Butterfly House works of art

Thanks to everyone that came out to the Farm for May Faire. It was a great day. Mark your calendars for our Summer Celebration on July 19th from 4pm- Dusk!

It is open during our normal Retail Store business hours which are Tuesday-Saturday from 10-4.

Visit our brand new trailer to choose from a selection of discontinued Meadowbrooke Gourds!

Surprise Mom this Mother’s Day with a unique, handcrafted gift she is sure to treasure for years to come. Last year, we put together suggestions for gift giving in our Mother’s Day Gift Guide (read it here).  For 2012, here are some gift ideas and suggestions for all the Moms in your life!

Instead of flowers, give Mom a gourd from our Wild Flower Collection. The large gourds light up and the small gourds have been crafted into a small vase.

“All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.” – Abraham Lincoln.
Surprise your angel Mother with Fern the garden angel, or one of the angels from our angel collection.

Our Bungalow Birdhouse will make a lovely addition to Mom’s garden! We offer many different birdhouse varieties and colors.

Is Mom a cat lover? A gourd from our Tabby collection might be the perfect gift to warm Mom’s heart.

Give mom a gift handmade or handpainted by YOU! This Saturday, May 5th, we will be holding three workshops at our Retail Store in Carlisle, PA as part of our May Faire Event. Participate in one of these classes to make a truly one-of-a-kind gift. For more information on our May Faire Event click here.

Paint your own Butterfly House: 

This fun, all day activity is perfect for all ages.  All supplies are included in the $15.00 fee. (No reservations needed.)

Paint your own Gourd Vase: 

Create your own Spring Gourd Garland Class: 

This new class will give you the opportunity to make a colorful spring gourd garland. This class has limited seating, so reservations are required.  All supplies are included in the $25.00 fee.  Please call 717-776-6029 x102 or email bethm@mbgourds.com

For more Mother’s Day gift ideas click here.

]]> http://www.gourdsgourdsgourds.com/2012/05/02/mothers-day-is-may-13th/feed/ 0 http://www.gourdsgourdsgourds.com/2012/04/25/summer-gourds/ http://www.gourdsgourdsgourds.com/2012/04/25/summer-gourds/#comments Wed, 25 Apr 2012 20:49:01 +0000 mbgourds http://www.gourdsgourdsgourds.com/?p=2333 These Crafter’s Corner Gourds have been handcrafted by master gourd craftsman, Todd Heller. They will make a perfect addition to your decor during the warm weather months!

1. Signature Series Bumble Bee (Pumpkin Spice Color): http://tinyurl.com/cwokjz9

2. Signature Series Bumble Bee (Black): http://tinyurl.com/cs7hdvq

3. Signature Series Flower: http://tinyurl.com/79pv2yr

4. Lady Bug Lit: http://tinyurl.com/7k7z8dt

Teachers work so hard and do so much!  Say “thank you” for the encouragement, support, discipline, and vital knowledge they provide with a keepsake gourd.

On the right: Signature Apple Gourd: http://www.gourdshop.com/catalog/crafters-corner/todd-heller-crafters-corner/signature-series-apple.html

On the left: Large Apple Gourd: http://www.gourdshop.com/catalog/all-season-handcrafted-gourds/apples-pears-handcrafted-gourds/large-gourd-apple.html

Click here to purchase online!

This new class will give you the opportunity to make this colorful spring gourd garland. This class has limited seating, so reservations are required.  All supplies are included in the $25.00 fee.  Please call 717-776-6029 x102 or email bethm@mbgourds.com