Gourds – Going to the Birds!

Email Page

Print Page

Megan Bame

Extras

Add Photo to Journal

Photo Credit: Megan Bame

Whether plain, decorated with sunflowers or painted to look like an apple, these gourds make really attractive – and interesting – birdhouses!

My friend Alene was traveling in Cherokee, NC, when she spotted what appeared to be a huge apple. It was at least 4 inches in diameter! Of course she was amazed – and of course she had to get a closer look.

As she approached the large fruit, she realized it wasn’t an apple at all. But it was something nearly as amazing – a birdhouse. And not one made of ceramic or other “typical” material as Alene had expected – this one was made from a gourd! Being no stranger to crafts or gardening, she wanted to get to the bottom of this gourd apple and learn how to grow and paint her own. So she asked the birdhouse-gourd owner – whom she made friends with – for some seed.

Add Photo to Journal

Photo Credit: Megan Bame

The apple-shaped gourds were grown on a trellis to keep them off the ground.

Come springtime, Alene’s husband, Lewis, set out eight gourd plants they’d sprouted from the seed. He gave them a trellis to vine on and to help keep the gourds from growing directly on the soil. From those eight plants, they harvested 40-50 gourds in late summer. And bonus – Alene had gotten seeds from two different gourd varieties: Some were shaped like apples, and the others looked like pears.

Because this was the first time Alene and Lewis tried to dry gourds, they experimented with various locations in hopes that at least some of them would dry out well. They knew there was a risk that the gourds would rot or wrinkle, so they stored some in their basement; others in an enclosed, outdoor shed; and some in a covered, but open, outdoor shelter.

The duo let the gourds dry out for about five months. (Gourds are considered dry when they’re extremely lightweight and the seeds inside rattle when the gourd is shaken.) Alene and Lewis were pleased with the results from all three locations. In fact, they couldn’t see a noticeable difference among the gourds.

Facts

If you’re building a birdhouse for a specific feathered species, you may need to do a little research first. The birdhouse hole may need to be a specific size, and the house might have to be hung at a certain height. A blue bird, for example, requires a 1 ½-inch entry hole, and the birdhouse should be hung 5-10 feet above the ground.

Tips

You don’t have to immediately clean out your gourds once they’ve been dried. Simply store them in a cool, dry location until you’re ready to tackle your birdhouse project.
Paint your gourds any way you’d like! Try a seasonal or floral motif, or perhaps paint some birds on them. Let the kids help decorate, too. These birdhouses make great gifts and, of course, a great home for the birds!

Page 1 of 2

Next Steps

Articles

Grow a Birdhouse for a Song(bird)
If your wildlife garden brings in the songbirds, why not grow them a home? Gourd birdhouses have been around for centuries, and with good reason: They’re decorative, affordable, and easy to grow and make. Learn the simple way to plant gourds and make a birdhouse from your harvest.
Housing Your Feathered Friends (How to Build a Birdhouse)
Looking for a fun build-it-yourself garden accessory that combines beauty and functionality? Make a birdhouse! With the right materials, design plan and construction know-how, you can build an attractive wooden abode in one weekend. Here are the steps on how to build a birdhouse for your feathered friends.
Caring for Your Wildlife Garden, Naturally!
If you want to bring in the birds, bees and butterflies, then you’ve got to care for your plants naturally so you don’t harm the wildlife. Don’t know where to start? Follow these simple guidelines to butterfly garden care and help your wing-filled garden take flight.

RATE THIS PAGE

On average this item has been rated a 5 out of 5.