Nancy,
Sorry for your difficulties in this years crop. Many of us have experienced set-backs of one type or another, but its best to consider it all a learning experience.
This is a good time to re-evaluate your garden space and the problems you have just dealt with.
Next year's crop may give you another problem or two, but at least by then you will have a better idea of what to expect.
Plant more seeds and watch 'em grow.

Jan

Hello Jan,

I had a horrible growing season a year ago, but this year I tried an area next to our woods. The trees shade them in late
afternoon, but most of the day they got direct sun. I didn't water them at all and we had a really dry season this year. I
grew 700 gourds and it is the best crop I have ever had. The
water may have been your problem. Darn squirrels. I love nature, but between the deer and their friends they do present a problem. I have never had problems with squirrel or deer with gourds, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't get into them. I have heard drying outside during the winter mice get into them. I always dry my gourds in the pole barn.
Good luck next year!
Dolly