Re: MtMan-List: Gourds

[mxhbc@TTACS.TTU.EDU (Henry B. Crawford)]

>Another peculiarity this year, was a black mildew/fungus that appeared on some
>of the gourds.  I believe this is due to El Nino, with all of the extra
>moisture in our poorly drained (but, south facing plot).  On the bright side,
>I believe the mildew/fungus is going to create a very dramatic effect on one
>long-necked, large bottle gourd.

That fungus can come off if you choose.  Just soak the gourd for a while in
water, getting it good and wet all over, and scrub the outer skin membrane
with a soft brush.  Toothbrush works well.  Scrubbing removes the outer
membrane where the fungus has grown.  The fungus usually grows only on the
surface and leaves only a shadow of itself beneath.

>We'll see....  Also, I'm going to
>carve/incise a couple of them green, this year.

That should be interesting.

Cheers,
HBC

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Henry B. Crawford        Curator of History
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