Wintermelon

Growing

Wintermelon vines climb or trail vigorously, so give them plenty of space to roam or a sturdy structure to scale. Plant at a site with good drainage to prevent root rot, which can occur in poorly drained or waterlogged soil. If your garden has a history of drainage issues, raised beds can keep the root zone aerated and healthy.

As the vines mature, train the stems along a trellis or support. This improves fruit quality and makes harvest easier. Practice good sanitation by removing decaying plant matter from the garden. The fruit is versatile in the kitchen, used in everything from savory soups and stews to candied treats. Harvest the gourds only when they are fully ready to use, as they do not continue to ripen once picked.

For long-term use, store the unwashed harvest in a cool, dark cellar, where it can last for many months. To use them in the warmer months, you can also blanch the flesh before freezing it for later use.