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!

Become a True Leaf Market Brand Ambassador! You’ll enjoy awesome perks, free products and exclusive swag & offers! Help us create a gardening revolution and help others experience the joy of growing!

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Your email address will not be published.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. Ditch Peat and Embrace Coco Coirnull

    Ditch Peat and Embrace Coco Coir

    Written By Lara Wadsworth If you have gardened, had a house plant, or even been to a garden center in your life, chances are you have heard of peat moss. Peat moss is highly popular in the gardening world as an organic soil amendment and growing medium...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-12-17
    9 min read
    bubble 5
  2. From Seed to Harvest: Understanding the Stages of Plant GrowthA seedling sprouting from the soil

    From Seed to Harvest: Understanding the Stages of Plant Growth

    Written By Lara Wadsworth There are so many different kinds of plants on the earth that it can be overwhelming at times, especially when all we are trying to do is have a successful garden. But when that garden contains 10 to 40 or more different kinds...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-12-10
    11 min read
    bubble 2
  3. Lara's 2024 Garden in Reviewgardener holding a carrot in a glove and a tomato plant with green fruits

    Lara's 2024 Garden in Review

    Written By Lara Wadsworth This year was only my third year having a garden to myself. Growing up, I gardened alongside my mother and grandmother, but after leaving home, I lived in apartments for many years without much space for a garden. I finally go...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-12-03
    13 min read
    bubble 0
  4. Cultivating Christmas TraditionsChristmas gifts, pine sprigs, and ornaments on dark background

    Cultivating Christmas Traditions

    Written By Lara Wadsworth The phrase “Christmas time is here!” will soon echo through your speakers and messaging all around. Most American families, regardless of religion, seem to be celebrating this massive holiday in one way or another. Some may fo...


    Ashleigh Smith + photo

    Ashleigh Smith

    2024-11-26
    8 min read
    bubble 0