Bowl Gourd

Like most gourds, the Bowl Gourd can be left in a cool dry place for 6 months to a year. The flesh will rot, mold and eventually dry up leaving behind a woody, waterproof  shell that can be sanded and used like a Bowl.  Just saw off the top and clean out the seeds. They also make a great planters for small houseplants. Use them anywhere you might use a wooden bowl. They can be varnished (use food grade varnish if the bowl will be holding eatables.)

We found our seeds from my favorite seed company Botanical Interests.

To learn more about preserving gourds check out my GRIT Magazine post on Birdhouse Gourds.  

To learn more about different pumpkin, gourd and squash varieties, visit the Iron Oak Farm Pumpkin Page.