If the gourds have matured by the end of the growing season but have not had time to dry, you can leave them on the vine over winter. When the snow melts and exposes them in the spring, they will continue drying where they left off in the fall. However, there is a risk that they will rot if you leave them over winter.
If you have gourds that are considered immature (it is fleshy and bright green) and are concerned that the first frost will kill them, cut them from the vine and use them as temporary decorations. You generally will not be able to dry these gourds. You can also leave them on the vine–occasionally they will be hardened by the frost rather than killed.
You can also soak them for 20 minutes in a solution of one part household bleach and nine parts warm water.
You can also dry gourds in a garage, barn or inside of the house, but they will get the best air circulation if you allow them to dry outside. It may take several months for the gourds to dry fully. Keep in mind that large quantities of drying gourds give off an unpleasant odor. If you dry them inside your home, it will take some time to get rid of the smell.
You can also hang gourds in well ventilated buildings, or along fences. Hanging them on fences can give your yard a festive fall look as well.
Know that if the gourds dry too quickly they will most likely wrinkle.
You can add bleach to the water to give the gourds a uniform color but this is not necessary.
You can also use steel wool or sandpaper to remove the outer layer of skin. However, using either of these tools will result in scratch marks. Only use sandpaper or steel wool if you plan on painting the gourd.
