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PLANTING INSTRUCTIONSSeeds can also be started indoors near to the last leg of the winter.Sow gourd seeds 8 to 12 inches apart as soon as the soil is warm enough to germinate and there is no danger of frost anymore.Plant one to three plants in a hill and space hills 6 feet apart. To facilitate germination, scrape the seed coat with a file or allow seeds to stay warm for at least 24 hours.Note - Seeds are really slow to germinate.GROWING REQUIREMENTSWATERINGThe plants can't survive muddy waterlogged soil. Keep the soil moist but not soggy.PESTSSponge gourds are affected by a range of fungi and viruses. They are susceptible to a wide range of insects which leave them with the following symptoms: leaves begin to curl and eventually die; lesions exuding a milky substance which dries to form a white crust on. Beside lesions; fruits can get small and pale in color etc. The following pests attck this cropBacterial leaf spot, Aphids, Cucumber beetles, Downy mildew.SOILThey like well-drained loamy soil with a soil pH in the range of 5.8 to 6.4.SPOTGourds should be planted outdoors in full sunlight.TEMPERATUREGourds grow best in temperatures between 23 to 29 C [75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit].HOW TO HARVESTWhen your gourds have reached their full size, the vine they’re growing on will start to die off on its own.Look into the gourds on a weekly basis to distinguish if they’re ready. Feel the skin and check the firmness of the calabashes.Treat the shell of the plant. Wash the gourd with dish detergent and warm water to kill off any bacteria.Consider saving the seeds and roasting them. Your gourd will last for many years.