HINTS FOR GOURD GROWERS 
Light, rich, warm soil with protection from 
harsh winds is preferable for gourds. If plants 
started early, in sunny window or in hotbed, 
receive a check, any gain by starting early will 
be lost. In no case does it pay to start more 
than four weeks before setting in permanent 
quarters. 
Watch carefully after June 25th for cucum¬ 
ber beetles. Get busy right away when these 
pests show up. Dust after each shower with 
hydrated lime, or better with a proprietary 
dust. If no shower washes off the dust, it 
should bb applied twice a week anyway to cover 
new growth. Get out early, while the dew 
is still on the plants and before the morning- 
breeze starts up. 
When danger of late frost is over, while kill¬ 
ing weeds, hoe in a’ good pinch of nitrate of 
soda or sulphate of ammonia near each hill to 
encourage growth. Get weeds under control 
before plants begin to run. If on trellis, keeo 
trained up before shoots get too long. 
When gourds begin to form, do not trample 
down and maul the vines to see how they are 
doing. You will get more gourds and just as 
fine colorings if they are left strictly alone. 
Do not gather until after frost has touched 
the vines. The first light frost won’t hurt 
them. When gathering, it is useless to save 
any which are not well matured. We usually 
discard about 25% fine-looking fruits for this 
reason. They positively will not keep long un¬ 
less a shell has formed. Cut with stem and 
handle very carefully. Store in a warm, dry 
place, and do not shellac or wax until a month 
or more has passed. 
