Did you know that you can grow your own birdhouse?
'Birdhouse' Gourd Bird House
It is surprisingly easy to grow gourds and transform them into birdhouses. I grew my own gourds and made birdhouses. One, I kept for myself and gave others away as gifts.
It all starts with a pretty, white flower…
Gourd Flower
Plant your gourd seeds out in the garden, once the danger of frost is over in spring. They sprout easily and grow quickly.
Gourd Seedling
Beware – this tiny little seedling grows quickly….they can take over your garden if you aren’t careful.
Gourd Vine
I must admit that this is my ‘rampant’ gourd vine that I grew last year. As you can see, it grew out of the vegetable garden and onto my lawn.
It even took over part of my patio. Even experienced and horticulturists sometimes don’t always follow directions. In the future, I will always allow the right amount of room for my gourds to grow 
Ripening Birdhouse Gourd
This is the first gourd that I discovered ripening on my vine. Then, I started looking underneath the other large leaves and found 16 more growing!
Once they began to dry, I harvested them and put them on a pallet to dry. This process takes months and the gourds will slowly turn from light green to a pale beige. During this time, the gourds may discolor on the outside and even grow some mold, which you can simply wipe off.
The gourds are ready when you shake them and can hear the seeds inside.
Fast forward 8 months from date of harvest….
Now my gourd is ready to be transformed into a birdhouse:
First, I drilled a 1/2 inch diameter hole where the main hole was to be. Then, I carved the hole to the size I wanted.
The diameter you make the hole depends on which kind of bird you want to take up residence in your new birdhouse.
Downy Woodpecker, Nuthatch, Titmouse – 1 & 1/4 inches
Bluebird, Swallow, Wren - 1 & 1/2 inches
House Finch – 2 inches
Northern Flicker – 2 & 1/2 inches
Once you have created the hole, remove the inside seeds and membranes. I did this using a butter knife. Don’t worry if you leave some behind – the birds won’t care.
Drill 5 small holes in a circle around the base for drainage and then sand the outside of your gourd until smooth.
To hang the gourd, I made two small holes on the top of the gourd, on either side of the stem. Them I took wire and bent them, as shown above.
Insert the wire in each of the holes.
To protect your bird house, spray the outside of the gourd with polyurethane or paint it your favorite color and hang from your favorite tree.
Now, my gourd is ready for some feathered friends…
'Birdhouse' Gourd Bird House
So, how about you? Do you want to grow your own bird house? Get started this spring by planting some seeds and next year, you too will be able to make your own gourd bird house.
To read more about making a gourd bird house, check out “Purple Martin Gourd House”.
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I’m going to plant a gourd vine right away! Hopefully it’s not too late.
Wonderful idea, now I know what to do with the gourd I have held for a year. thank you you so much much
ok
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I’m confused what is the meaning of your response?
Where do you get the seeds? Do they come in packets you buy at your garden store? Thanks!
It’s important to know that when you are working with moldy gourds, do not store them in your home. Clean your gourds outside. When you are ready to cut the gourds open and clean out the inside, wear a good dust mask. Gourd dust is toxic and can make you very ill. If you inhale any into your lungs it will expand and can cause lung diseases. Please google all about gourds and gourd related diseases on the Internet prior to working with gourds.
I have heard that the dust from gourds is toxic and you should use a face mask when drilling the holes. Don’t know if it’s true or not, but definitely worth looking into before making one.