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Central Minnesota

So here come my long gourds. They are between 6 and 7ft I would guess. Do I need to be supporting these things? They grow so darn fast I really wouldn't know what to do. I can't believe they don't pick themselves. Wind is not an issue because they are protected from that really well.

8/19/2014 3:27:28 PM

Anamosa, IA BPIowegian@aol.com

You want to tie them to the trellis so they don't break the stem and fall. Some growers use stretchy fabric like nylon stockings that allow the gourds to grow. I try to use a stretchy cord if possible. Usually they have a knob at the stem end, but my best this year were tapered so I had to use duct tape to hold the cord on. I also use foam pipe insulation on the trellis wires to keep the wires from cutting into the stems and to keep the juices flowing. When I get a real good one I try to get a board taped on and supported, or at least use a stake at the bottom to keep them from swinging. I learned this the hard way a few years ago when I had a personal best fall and break in 3 pieces.

8/19/2014 3:41:09 PM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

roll with it.. I let mine hang no support.... the time I tried they all aborted and have better luck just letting her hang out.. imo

8/19/2014 9:24:20 PM

Bloomington Indiana

I lost one today at 109". In two pieces on the ground. just glad it was not my best one.

8/19/2014 9:33:08 PM

JACKSON, WISCONSIN. ; )

I have too lose some really long ones.

8/19/2014 10:35:28 PM

Lexington, Ky

They can be lawn darts. When the growth slows, I harvest them...had too many take the dive. If I have a particular heavy one, I will cut it before growth slows, just to make sure that I have one for the weigh off.

8/20/2014 10:50:13 AM