What is the size of the new gourds that are shriveling up? Are they the very small new ones? If so, it may be that they are not getting pollinated. They will shrivel up an die if that is the case. Maybe someone else will chime in here with another idea. :)

I think you're overwatering them. I been growing gourds for many years and I water them once a day for twenty minutes on a drip system and plus I have them in peat moss containers this year(trying something new this year) Anyways I also have them growing wild in the lower pasture from when we cleaned up the garden and throw all the vines in a burn pile. They are not getting any water and are growing like weeds. Plus, the weathers been hot and dry and they still are doing fine. Lots of flowers and small gourds. It will be neat too see which ones they are.
{{gwi:855275}}
Also, how old was the steer manure, maybe too hot still.
Good luck and keep trying, each year you'll get better.
Tamara

Hi,

Thank you both for your input and advise.

Hengal, Most of the ones that have shriveled are less than 2 inches or so in diameter. I've only lost a few any larger than that so far.

Tamara, Your gourds look beautiful, much better than mine. The steer manure was bought at Wal Mart so that shouldn't be a problem, should it? I will cut back on the water and hope I haven't already started rotting the roots. I have started taping the female flowers shut after I pollinate.

I do have another question. Do the new gourds that may come on now still have enough time to mature? Actually I have lots of questions but this will do for now. Thanks again for your input.

Amy

yeah wow thats a lot of water i water with my drip tape once a week if it doesnt reain and only for about 1 1/2 hours. Is it possible that the gourds didnt pollinate and so they died?