Soil Prep:

1. Soil Test--This will show what nutrients/fertilize need to be applied and when to apply them for the best crop results.  Soil test kits can be obtained from your local Agricultural Extention Office.
2. Sunny, well-drained soil is preferred.

Seed Prep:

1. Get your desired seeds early and from someone that you trust. You must have good quality seeds to grow a good quality gourd!!
2. Test your seeds by placing 6-8 seeds from each gourd or pack of seeds you purchased.  Place them on several layers of damp paper towels or even in a diaper (new of course).  Cover the seeds with more of the same material and keep moist and warm.  After 2-3 days some seeds should begin to sprout. For a good precentage of plants 8 out of 10 seeds need to germinate or 80%.

Planting Seeds:

1. Plant them in late spring or early summer after the soil has reached and maintained at least 70 degrees.
2. Plant seeds about 1-2" deep and 6-12" apart.  Space rows 6-8' apart.  After seeds germinate, thin plants to 3' apart. 

Gourd Enemies:

1. Weeds, Drought: Gourds need 1" to 1 1/2" of water per week. They need to be free of weeds, grass, etc.  Mildew, Anthracnose, bacterial wilt & cucumber beetles thrive in damp weeds & grass.
2. Be sure to check chemical labels for cucurbits/gourds before using any chemical.
3. Powdery Mildew looks like talcum powder on tops and bottoms of leaves.  It is carried by the wind.
4. Downy Mildew shows up as yellow spots on the upper surface of the leaf.  When the leaf is wet you can see fungal structures underneath the spots.
5. Anthracnose is another fungal disease and is carried by cucumber beetles.  Symptoms will include 1/4" to 1/2" spots that are usually described as "water soaked".  The spots expand to rough circular brown areas that eventually crumble away.  The spores can live for 2 years without a host.
6. If these are left untreated you can expect fewer gourds, poor quality and can even completly kill the plants.  For more information on chemicals or natural ways to control these pests and other enemies contact your local Agricultural Extension Agent, local farm supply store or one of your local Master Gardeners.