The Garden Bug: Drying gourds

By Brenda Weaver

Clean gourds with soapy water and air dry; hang them in a dark area, making sure they do not touch, for about 6 months. Discard any that decay, shrivel or get soft. If mold appears, wipe it with a cloth dipped in bleach. When the gourds become light, solidly hard and you hear the seeds rattling inside when you shake them, they can be carved or painted.

Source: gardening.about.com