Take a look at your vines. Are they still green and healthy or are they showing signs of shutting down? It really is time for the gourds to stop growing. They should soon start losing their green color and begin to turn tan. Just be sure to leave them on the vine until the stem is brown and dry. Then you can leave them where they sit to cure, or move them to a space you think is suitable for drying.

Jan

The vines on the gourds are very green and healthy. No signs of heat stress or drought.

I am also growing large bushel in Michigan. They are more than 24" in diameter. They are so beautiful. I posted a question on the forum as to how to dry them so I don't lose them. I know growers who lose them to dry cracking. I don't want this to happen to mine.