Gourds
Gourds
Key Requirements
Land | Low |
Labor | Medium to High |
Capital | Medium |
Take the HortBizQuiz to see how much Land, Labor, and Capital you have for your operation.
Markets
- Direct to Consumer
- Farmer's Markets
- On-Farm Stands
- Local Grocery
- Auctions
Pests & Disease
Gourds are subject to the same diseases and insect pests that attack other cucurbits. The most common and damaging diseases encountered in Kentucky in recent years have been damping-off, gummy stem blight, powdery mildew, downy mildew, anthracnose, bacterial wilt, and viruses.
$1825
Cost per Acre
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
$2000
Returns per Acre
Costs and returns are presented as estimates. They will vary based on your farm and markets.
Challenges
Curing requires a warm, dry, dark, well-ventilated area. Do not let gourds touch during the curing process.
Opportunities
- Some growers find it beneficial to grow gourds on raised beds with black plastic and drip irrigation.
- Fall decorating ranks just behind Christmas in dollars spent on decorations per household.