by Jackie Carroll
Bottle gourds (Lagenaria siceraria) are easy to grow on fences or trellises,
and once dried they make an ideal home for purple martins, swallows, chickadees
and wrens. Besides bringing beauty and interest to your home, these birds
will eat thousands of insects each day.
Although gourds can be grown in hills as you would grow squash and pumpkin,
gourds that are left lying on the ground will flatten on one side and
may be susceptible to rot. If you prefer to grow them in hills, try providing
several inches of hay as a mulch to keep the gourds off the ground. Bottle
gourds will tolerate a light frost, so allow them to dry on the vine as
long as possible. Once harvested, they will need a cool, dry place to
complete the drying process. They are completely dry when you can hear
the seeds rattle inside when you shake them. This may take several months.
To fashion you birdhouse, drill a hole 1 to 1-1/2 inches in diameter.
Smaller holes will accommodate small birds such as wrens, while a larger
hole will allow larger birds such as martins to take up residence. You
should also drill a few tiny holes in the bottom of the gourd for drainage.
Drill two holes in the top, and thread a cord through them. Now your birdhouse
is ready to hang. It will last up to two years untreated, or you can varnish
the gourd for a longer lasting birdhouse.
About the Author:
Jackie Carroll is the editor of GardenGuides.com, a leading internet destination
from gardening information and ideas. Visit GardenGuides.com or subscribe
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