How to Make your Own Birdhouse Gourd

Birdhouse gourd is very easy and fun to make. Making these birdhouses will require some planning since you will be growing them in your own garden or back yard. You will at least need to plan a few months ahead because the seeds have to be planted in the beginning for spring when all the frost has left. It is a very good idea to get the seed started indoors before you plant them outside. Make sure that the have a lot of room to spread out and grow and enough water. You will know the gourd is ready to be picked hen it turns from a green color to a tan color.

When the stem on the vines have all turned brown then you can cut the gourd off the vine but make sure you leave about 3 inches on the vine so you will be able to hang it up at the end. Give the gourd enough time to dry out by bringing it inside your house and placing them in well ventilated and dry areas. The complete drying process of the gourd will take a few months as well. A gourd is completely dried out when you can pick it up and hear the seed rattling inside.

Once you clean out the gourd drill a hole in the gourd large enough for the bird can enter. Decorate the gourd and hang it up outside so that the birds and you can enjoy the beauty of the birdhouse gourds.

Tips

If decorated with paint allow 24 hours to dry then top it with shellac

Make the hole no more than 1 ½ inches wide

Attach some wire to the stem to make it hang more securely