Erica Groneman + photo

Erica Groneman

Jun 14
2 min read
bubble 0
Bird sitting on a branch

My family loves watching birds in our backyard. We have several hummingbird feeders and other birdfeeders placed strategically throughout the yard. Have you ever made a gourd birdhouse or birdfeeder? It’s a simple and fun craft for people of all ages, especially kids.

How to make your own gourd birdhouse from start to finish:

  1. Plant your Birdhouse Gourd Seeds according to the planting instructions.
  2. Let your gourds mature on the vines as long as possible, then harvest and store over the winter.
  3. After the gourds are completely hard and dry, mark a point in the center of the gourd where you want to put the hole. The hole should not point up or down, so try to get it in a center space.
  4. Use a hole saw to drill a hole 1 ½” to 2 ½” in diameter. The size of hole you drill can influence which birds your birdhouse attracts. To make a bird feeder instead of a birdhouse, drill two holes opposite each other instead of just one hole.
  5. Use a spoon or knife to carefully remove the seeds and insides from inside the gourd.
  6. Using a 5/16” drill bit, drill two holes on the top of your gourd to use to hang the birdhouse.
  7. Using a 5/16” drill bit, drill two or three holes on the bottom of the gourd to allow for drainage.
  8. Cut twine to the desired length then thread through the top holes and tie. Alternatively you could use wire instead of twine on this step.
  9. Wash, clean, and dry your gourd.
  10. If desired, paint the birdhouse with acrylic paint then spray to seal.
  11. Hang the birdhouse and wait for a new feathered friend to move in!

Our Recommended Picks

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

0 Comments

No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation

  1. Companion Planting for Deer-Resistant Gardens: Tips & Plant Combosyoung deer eating leaves

    Companion Planting for Deer-Resistant Gardens: Tips & Plant Combos

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Why Are Deer a Problem in Home Gardens? Deer can be a huge problem for home gardens that lack a proper planting strategy or protective barrier. As more people move out of cities and into suburbs and rural areas, home gardeners...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-06-03
    6 min read
    bubble 0
  2. Cooking with Edible Flowers: A Guide to Flavors, Uses, and Tipspansy flowers with mixed greens

    Cooking with Edible Flowers: A Guide to Flavors, Uses, and Tips

    Written By Lara Wadsworth Did you know flowers aren’t just useful for their visual appeal? Many flowers are also edible and add a whimsical twist to everyday meals or an elegant touch to gourmet dining. Elevate your culinary creations with the influenc...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-06-03
    7 min read
    bubble 0
  3. June Planting Guide By Zonesoybean leaves and blue sky

    June Planting Guide By Zone

    Written By Lara Wadsworth June is a prime month for gardeners across the U.S. Whether you’re just getting in the game or are already harvesting early crops, this June planting guide by USDA zone has everything you need to know about what to plant in Ju...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-05-28
    13 min read
    bubble 1
  4. How to Start a Garden Journal: What to Track and Why It Matterswoman takes note of her growing plants

    How to Start a Garden Journal: What to Track and Why It Matters

    Written By Lara Wadsworth What was the best tomato variety you grew last year? When was the last time you fertilized your roses? How long has it been since you pruned your apple tree? What was that new variety of carrot you heard about last fall? If yo...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2025-05-20
    6 min read
    bubble 1