How to Grow Bottle Gourd Squash

Spread 2 inches of organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure, on the surface of the soil. Work it into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches, using a garden fork, spade or tiller.

Form broad hills or mounds of soil approximately 10 inches high, leaving at least six feet between each hill. Plant four to six seeds five inches apart in each hill. Cover lightly with 1 inch of soil.

Water frequently to keep the soil moist while the seeds germinate. When seedlings form, thin out the weakest plants, leaving two or three plants per hill to prevent overcrowding.

Give established plants an inch of water per week, allowing the water to soak at least 8 inches into the soil. Drip and trench irrigation are preferable to overhead sprinklers, which can cause leaf rot and waste water through evaporation.

Harvest the gourds before the first frost, when the stems are brown and dry. Cut each gourd from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached to the gourd.