I grew up on a small vegetable farm in New Jersey. I planted, hoed, pulled weeds, picked, washed and sold about everything one can grow including gourds. As a kid doing farm work helping my dad was something you had to do. I believe it was at this young time in my life that my LORD planted the love of growing in me. I didn't realize it at the time.
When I married and moved out it was a natural thing for me to continue to grow a garden. My wife Nancy would can and freeze everything we didn't eat or give away.
I also like to compete in many giant vegetable contests. I have broken the world record three times since 1984. Once for the pumpkin (1984) at 560.5 pounds, and twice for the longest green been (1996 & 1997) at 48 3/4 inches and 51 3/8 inches long. You can find me in the 1998 Guinness book of world records as well as at their site: www.guinnessworldrecords.com Of course, this little bit of history has nothing to do with growing and crafting gourds.
It was easy to slide over into growing gourds. I have always worked hard to compete in contests and that trait has carried over to growing gourds as well. I try very hard to produce quality gourds. I use only good seeds. I don't grow crosses or mixed up gourds from bad seeds. I don't think it is right for me to grow these kinds of gourds and then ask you (my customer) to choose several different shapes so I can fill your order with my mixed up gourds. I believe if you order a bushel gourd or basketball that is what you should get and not something round with a point on it. The only thing to consider should be what size.
Gourds are fun to grow and you can do many things with them making art and craft project for kids and adults alike. You can paint, dye, woodburn, pencil and carve gourds. Just about anything you can do with wood you can do with gourds.
I hope you have come to know me little better from this page. Please, always feel free to call or visit whether you are in the market for gourds or not.
Harry H. Hurley
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