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The hows and whys of gourds

High Plains Public Radio | By Skip Mancini
Published May 28, 2015 at 12:00 AM CDT
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This week we'll look at the hows and whys of growing gourds, on both an ornamental or functional level.  Related to squash and cucumbers, few varieties are popular as edibles, but numerous types can serve in various ways.  Most of the work of producing gourds comes not with the growing but with how they are treated after the harvest.  Curing and cleaning are the first steps in a process that can produce bird houses, feeders, nifty containers, or art objects.

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Skip Mancini
Years ago Skip Mancini left the rocky coast of Northern California to return to her roots in the heartland. Her San Francisco friends, concerned over her decision to live in a desolate flatland best known for a Hollywood tornado, were afraid she would wither and die on the vine. With pioneer spirit, Skip planted a garden. She began to learn about growing not only flowers and vegetables, but hearts and minds. If you agree that the prairie is a special place, we think you'll enjoy her weekly sojourns into Growing on the High Plains.
See stories by Skip Mancini
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  2. Growing on the High Plains: Lovely Lavender
  3. Growing on the High Plains: Jerusalem Artichokes
  4. Growing on the High Plains: 2021 Seed Catalogs—Part Two
  5. Growing on the High Plains: 2021 Seed Catalogs—Part One