Decorative gourds are nearly as popular as the ubiquitous Pumpkin Spice Latte this fall! Want to keep your gourds looking fresh right through autumn? Try drying them to keep them from getting “icky” around Halloween. Here’s how you can dry small pumpkins and gourds to use them in fall decoration:
Cleaning and Curing Gourds
To begin preserving gourds for crafts, rinse the harvested vegetables with clean water to remove all dirt and debris. Then disinfect the rinds by rubbing with a cloth dabbed in full-strength distilled vinegar or a bleach solution. Use a clean cloth to dry them thoroughly.
Selecting the Right Spot for Drying Gourds
The ideal location for drying gourds should be well-ventilated, cool, and dark. Good air circulation is essential; if the air circulation is poor, you can leave a fan running in the room and keep any windows open. Place the pumpkins and gourds on drying racks or use chicken wire to allow for air circulation under the fruits. Ensure none of the gourds are touching each other to avoid rot.
Regularly Checking Gourds for Rot
Rot or infections can spread quickly from one vegetable to another, so inspect the vegetables regularly. Early mold growth can be safely removed with a butter knife without damaging the fruit. Simply scrape off the growth, disinfect with vinegar, wipe dry, and return the vegetable to storage. Discard any rotted vegetables immediately. Different varieties can take different time periods to dry completely. You can shake the gourds to check if they’ve dried up—you’ll hear the seeds rattle if the gourd is dry.
Fall Decoration Ideas with Dried Gourds
Dried gourds will last through fall, making them perfect for DIY fall decorations. Here are some decoration ideas:
- Simple Centerpieces: Stack a few colorful pumpkins and gourds on a large plate or bowl. This is one of the simplest and most effective fall decoration ideas.
- Painted Gourds: Acrylic paint or spray paint works well on dried rinds for drawing faces or patterns. This is a fun way to personalize your decorations.
- Bird Feeders: Bird lovers can carve dried pumpkins and gourds to create bird feeders to hang outside windows.
- Festive Garlands: Create garlands adorned with pumpkins and gourds to imbue your place with a festive feel. Tie a cluster of small-sized fruits and leaves on a long twine and hang the garland along walls or windows.
Using these tips for how to dry gourds for decoration, you can create beautiful, long-lasting DIY fall decorations that will keep your home festive all season long. Whether you’re preserving gourds for crafts or looking for new pumpkin and gourd drying tips, these methods will help you make the most of your autumn decorations.