Gourds

[Sneezie]

Up until 3 years ago, grew my own gourds, let them get as big as I wanted. Removed them from the plant and dried them out. Anyone that has grown and dried gourds knows when they are dried and ready to do what you want with them, shake them and you'll hear the seeds rattleling inside. Well like I said up until 3 years ago. Chipmunks and moles or mice eat them off the plant when they're about 2 inches or so big!! I quit growing them, but would love to have them again. Anyone have any ideas to rid the pests?

 

[Silentrunning]

When I moved to our new property we had mice and rats everywhere in the old barns. I went to the local humane society and got 2 barn cats. They neutered them and clipped one ear for identification. Every couple of years we are to take them in for their shots. They have pretty well wiped out the mouse and rat population. I am able to keep horse food out there with no problems.

 

[Sneezie]

Hmmm have an indoor cat, but even so don't think they'd be much help since whatever is eating ny gourds, they're leaving small holes in the dirt next to plant, and when ive dug down into that hole, theres small tunnels connected with the hole.

 

[Sneezie]

Wanted to show you some of the gourds I did. Hope they come thru ok.

 

[Silentrunning]

Hmmm have an indoor cat, but even so don't think they'd be much help since whatever is eating ny gourds, they're leaving small holes in the dirt next to plant, and when ive dug down into that hole, theres small tunnels connected with the hole.

Do moles or voles eat gourds? What else leaves tunnels?