Space Cucurbita types 4 feet apart and the larger types 6 to 8 feet apart in rows 10 to 12 feet apart. A trellis of a single overhead wire supported every 12 to 15 feet by a strong post will work for most gourds. Tie twine from the wire to the base of each plant in a loose loop when the plants are 12 to 18 inches tall. Keep weeds out of gourds by shallow cultivation. Mulch around the base of the plants will also help slow weed growth.
Water gourds enough to keep foliage from wilting, but allow leaves to dry before nightfall.
Check with your local extension office for the latest on disease and insect control. Cucurbita types are ready to harvest when the surface becomes hard and the stems dry and brown. Mature Lagenaria gourds turn from green to tan, and eventually the seeds will rattle. You can pick mature green fruit if you cure them a long time. Luffas are mature when they become paper dry on the outer shell.