Growing Gourds !
After the vines spread out across the ground , the gourds begin growing from the flowers at the end of the vines over a period of several months . When the growth process is complete , the harvest season typically occurs at the end of August , although it varies depending on the specific subtype of gourd . “ There are ’ 90-day ’ gourds and ‘ 110 day ’ gourds ,” says Armstrong Farm ’ s Foreman , Connor McCart . “ The gourds usually start growing out of the flowers about
10 VERMONT MAGAZINE two weeks after the vines start running , but every type of gourd is slightly different in terms of its growth cycle .”
A variety of different gourds are planted at Armstrong Farm , including “ Goblin ” gourds , which are similar in size to a softball . Their namesake stems from their green color and their bumpy surface , which evokes imagery of fun , spooky goblins . The “ Speckled Swan ” gourds are green-colored with long , slender necks , and the “ Birdhouse ” gourds are light green and shaped like hourglasses . “ They ’ re great for making birdhouses ,” says Armstrong Farm ’ s farmhand , Hailey Herrington . The “ Autumn Wings ” gourds have graceful curved necks , and the “ Gizmo ” gourds are larger gourds that are ideally-suited for decorating purposes . “ The prices of the gourds start at $ 1 , and they vary based on size ,” adds Herrington . “ You can paint them , decorate