GROW YOUR OWN
BIRDHOUSES
Sometimes the best way to do things takes a lot of time. It just so happens that one of the best ways to make
birdhouse
is to grow one. Wouldn’t that be nice if when you wanted something ,you could grow it? Well that can be done with a birdhouse. I have also made
bird feeders
that the birds absolutely love.

They are made from gourds. They grow easily and you can make unlimited things from them. I have a few books on the subject of making things from gourds. They can be found on the internet. You can even find instructions on the internet without buying any books. To get started you only need to purchase the seeds from the store or you guessed it (the internet.) Look for
birdhouse
gourd seeds, and get out your
garden tools.

Find an area to grow them that the
hose
will reach, and that gets plenty of sun. You will also need something to support the plants because they grow in long heavy vines, I grow mine on the corner of my fence where the neighbor’s fence and mine join and have a fence dividing our yards, Of course you better discuss this with them first, because they can literally cover the fences. Alternatively, just pick an area where you have a lot of room and can put up a trellis or a small section of fence, or even tie twine, one end to the top rail, and the other to a
stake.
They will grow on almost anything. Dig the dirt up in an area about two feet wide by 3 feet long and plant plenty of seeds. I use the whole package. You can never have too many gourds. Now plop down on your
swing,
and let mother nature take over, all you need to do is water them every few days, and you can fertilize them with miracle grow. Then let them grow as long as you can, they do better if you leave them on the vine to dry. (Weather permitting) at least until the vines dry up. When you pick them, leave about 2 inch stems. Before the first freeze you should find a dry area where they will be fairly protected, so you can spread them out and leave them to cure over the winter, it usually takes 3 - 6 months. Some people say that you can leave them on the vine to dry and even under the snow, they will dry. Well not in Indiana. I put them in my shed on news papers, Do not put them in your house, Mold will develop on them it is common, But some will rot, throw them away when noticed. (If they are not ripe when picked it increases the chance for rotting.) They are dry when you can shake them and hear seeds rattle. I wash mine in 1 cup bleach to two gallons of water and lay them in the sun to dry. When dry, you are ready to cut the hole. First drill a hole big enough for the bird to get in, some
birds
can fit in a 1-inch size hole but 2 inches is better. You can put sand or rocks in them and gently shake around to help clean the insides and loosen the seeds. (Save the seeds for planting.)

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