Bottle Gourd

Step-by-step method

1. 1
   Step 1

   Make mounds

   Dig pits 1.5 ft wide and 1 ft deep, 6 ft apart. Mix 10 kg rotted manure and a little ash into each.

2. 2
   Step 2

   Soak

   Soak seeds for 12–16 hours to soften the coat and speed germination.

3. 3
   Step 3

   Sow

   Sow 2–3 seeds per mound, 1 inch deep. Keep the two strongest seedlings.

4. 4
   Step 4

   Trellis

   When vines reach 2–3 ft, give them a 5–6 ft bamboo or net trellis. Fruit lying on soil rots.

5. 5
   Step 5

   Water & feed

   Water when the soil dries but never let it pool. Side-dress with organic manure every 15–20 days.

6. 6
   Step 6

   Harvest

   Cut while young — a fingernail should press in easily. Regular picking keeps the vine fruiting.

🌱 General care: weed around the base once plants grow and water whenever the soil starts to dry.