check out the gourd forum for info on how to dry them.

Hi Tammy,
We have dried ornamental gourds for Christmas ornaments, etc. I have read that there is a mixture of borax and water that you can dip them in and help them dry, but we found that scraping the colored skin off, then letting them dry works very well. We use a paring knife that is not real sharp, and scrape, scrape, scrape.
Be careful not to cut into the gourd flesh, as this will cause it to rot. They won't take too long to dry, but we put them in our little green house to speed things along. It will probably take a month or maybe a few weeks longer.
When they are dry they can be drilled, painted, stained, or, whatever. They make beautiful tree decorations.

Good Luck,
Your gourd friend,
Jan

This year, for the first time, I've grown very large gourds (the bird house type). The largest is about 30 lbs. BIG, huh?! I've received quite comprehensive instructions on how to dry them but not WHEN. I need to know WHEN to dry them. The vines are probably nearly half-way dried, on their way out. I had continued to water them until yesterday. If someone can enlighten me I'd appreciate it.
Thanks,
Judy

Judy-Congrats on your gourd growing success! It's best to leave them on the vine as long as possible to dry. If you cut them, leave some stem and hang them in an area that has very good ventilation, to dry. Check out the gourd forum for more info. if needed.