Click play to listen to the Mold-Free Fall Crafts with Gourds.

Gourd ideas are good ideas this fall! We’ve got fun seasonal projects that you can do with the whole family. And as you transform your home decor into a harvest showcase, AprilAire reminds you to keep an eye on your gourds. As they decay, carved pumpkins and smaller gourds can lead to mold growth that’s ripe for spreading into your home. For that reason, many people only display carved pumpkins outdoors. But for those without a porch or patio or who want to enjoy their creations indoors, there are steps you can take to keep your gourds mold-free.

Keep Your Gourds Mold-Free

• Be diligent about removing all the seeds and insides of your gourds and pumpkins. The dampness present there will increase the chances of mold growth.
• To create decorations you can use for years and years, try drying your carved gourds. This process can take several months to a year and involves bleaching the outside and hanging the gourd in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. It’s a fair amount of work, but your patience will be rewarded.
• Keep indoor humidity between 40—60 percent. These humidity levels are comfortable for your gourds and for the people in your home. Using AprilAire humidification systems in the fall and winter months will help avoid damp areas and excessively dry conditions.
• Place gourds in well-ventilated areas that aren’t prone to moisture. Try for rooms with ceiling fans or open windows, and avoid areas like the kitchen or laundry room where humidity can reach high levels.
• Elevate gourds, especially if you have heated floors. Constant heating and cooling can encourage cracking, along with mold and mildew growth. Try placing them on a small stool or side table, and add something absorbent beneath them to avoid staining furniture.
• The safest bet is to keep gourds outdoors. If you live in an area that gets chilly at night, the cool temperatures will help the gourds last longer and give you more enjoyment out of all your hard work.

Mold-Free Gourds Craft Ideas

1. Gourd Candle Holders
   Add fun seasonal accents with these mini gourd candles from Garden Therapy. This project has the added benefit of extending the life of the gourds, as the melting wax will help seal the inside of the gourd to keep it mold-free.
2. Gourd Garland
   This easy project from Made in a Day uses faux gourds, but you can take the garland a step further by drying out the gourds. Remember, the process takes up to a year, but it will be worth it for adding a unique seasonal piece to your home decor.
3. Gourd Birdhouse
   While gourds shouldn’t hang out in your home too long, they can serve as hanging homes for birds! DIY Network has a great step-by-step playbook for adding this fun project to your yard this fall.
4. Gourd Bird Feeder
   Another one for the birds! This project keeps things really simple. Kitchen Counter Chronicles shows you how to transform a small gourd into a feasting ground for the wintering birds in your area.