For the perfect backyard project that doesn't require many tools and in the end creates a conversation piece for your next get together, think gourds! While all of the neighbors may have beautiful or cutesy manufactured birdhouses, yours will be unique and cherished for years to come.
If you've been pondering the ideal project to do with your 10-year-old son, or your eight-year-old granddaughter, designing a gourd birdhouse together would have all the makings of fun, creativity, accomplishment and lasting memories. Of course, this can be a peaceful solo project as well.
First, you need to decide if you want to purchase the gourd or grow your own. An obvious question is: do you have the resources to grow gourds? This is a warm season crop, which has a growing season ranging from 100 to 180 days! If you choose this route, know that this project will continue next season, as you patiently wait through all of the necessary steps before you can actually start to see the end result! Planting outdoors can not occur until after the danger of frost has passed and the soil and the air temperatures are warmer. If the seeds are planted too early, they are prone to rot before germinating in the cold, wet soil. You must have a sunny spot that has good drainage. A fence or trellis is preferred, because if you allow the gourds to grow on the ground, they tend to become flat on one side and can rot. The gourds are ready for harvesting when the stems dry and turn brown.
For
birdhouses, you want to choose a gourd from the lagenaria group, commonly referred to as bottle gourds. Unlike other gourds, this type can withstand mild frost and is best kept on the vine for as long as possible. When the gourds are ripe and ready to harvest, cut them from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached. Choose the gourd that you want for your project and clean well with soap and water. Apply rubbing alcohol to the surface after drying.
Depending on the size of the gourd, curing can take one to six months. Again, I need to remind you of the patience that you'll need before you can actually start to craft your birdhouse. The first step in this process is surface drying and takes about one week. This is when the skin hardens and the color of the gourd will emerge. The gourd will need a dark area with plenty of ventilation in order for it to dry properly.
The next step takes a minimum of four weeks. This internal drying time requires periodic turning of the gourd so that it will be evenly cured and won't shrivel. Drying will be accelerated and decay less likely, if warmth is provided during this stage. The gourd is adequately cured when it becomes light in weight and it sounds like morocco when shaken.
When purchasing gourds, rather than growing them, the curing process may still be necessary. You will know by the feel and sound of the gourd when you pick it up.
The next step, as you move closer to the goal of a finished product, is the removal of the outer skin. Soak the gourd in soapy water for about an hour or wrap it in a wet towel. Carefully scrub the surface with a kitchen scrubber of some sort, taking heed not to scratch the under layer. Rinse and dry your gourd.
Now you're ready for the "construction" phase of your project! Gather your supplies, which include:
- Drill
- Indoor/outdoor spray paint for base
- Acrylic paint for decorative painting
- Polyurethane
- Paint brushes
- String, cord, leather straps or wire for hanger
Optional supplies include, wood carving set, stencils, sponge (for painting) and faux finish paint.
Before you start to drill your opening, you must decide which breed of bird you want to attract. The following guide needs to be adhered to for the desired results:
- 1" for Wrens
- 1 1/4" for Titmice and Chickadees
- 1 1/2" for Eastern Bluebirds
- 2" for Purple Martins
Position your opening 5"- 7" from the bottom of the gourd to ensure that the baby birds won't fall out. Drill a small drainage hole in the bottom prior to cutting into the opening. Poor some water into the hole to coat the inside a bit in order to cut down on the amount of dust and irritants that will surely spill out as soon as the opening is cut. After drilling the appropriate sized opening, smooth the edges and shake out all of the seeds and dust. Drill two to three more drainage holes in the bottom, so that water won't fill the inside and cause a potential drowning problem for the birds. Two more holes need to be drilled in the top so that the hanger material can be threaded through. Make sure that whatever you choose to hang the birdhouse up with is strong enough to hold the weight once a bird has filled it with nesting material and a family!
Your birdhouse is now ready for your artistic touches! Cover the gourd with a base coat of paint. Allow this to completely dry, according to the directions on the can. A second coat may be necessary. Whatever else you decide to do is up to you and your imagination! Wood carvings, calligraphic sayings, stenciling, sponge painting, faux finishes like marble or crackle paint...let your creativity reign!
Once you have completed your masterpiece, don't forget to coat the entire outside of the gourd with a polyurethane finish. Hang your "signature" birdhouse somewhere that is easily visible for visitors, both featured and not. And don't be surprised by the numerous "I want one!" comments that will undoubtedly be heard!
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