Question
Dear MIKE:   is there any way to grow gourds without weeds or a lot of work. Pre-emergent like Round- up ??????  second step???? herbicide ??????? at this point you probably think I'm Crazy  ????????????.Thanks

Answer
I wish there was an easy answer and a method that required no work, but that is just not the case. You can certainly minimize the number of weeds by mulching around the plants with an organic mulch such as straw or dried grass clippings, but even then some weeding is required.

One trick that is very successful is covering the soil with black plastic. Cut slits where you place your transplants. The plastic will prevent the germination of weed seeds, but will cause the soil to overheat. This can be countered by placing 3" of mulch above the plastic. The mulch will prevent the sun from baking the plastic, and will in turn keep the soil cool.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike