I followed Sueloring's great instructions to a T and ended up with between 20-30 decent size gourds. The older vines have started to discolor a little, and the gourds have turned from dark green to light green, almost whitish.

I was wondering if I should pick them now or wait for either the first frost or for the vines to turn totally brown. Will it hurt the gourds if they are picked early. I was going to leave them under the carport on a pallet to air dry. Should I treat them with anything after they are picked.

Any help will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.