....if the temp was cold, and the ground very wet when you planted, there's the possibility that the seed rotted before it could germinate. The site I included in the last post isn't live for some reason, but one of the zone five gourders said she started hers indoors, and transplanted to the garden around first of June. She also said she had sown them direct in the garden around end of May and they did fine. Keep trying, Wrennie...I feel it in my bones you're going to succeed next year! http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/gourds/msg0621090623797.html

....no chilling is necessary, and I've not read anywhere about having to do this. I used commercial packaged seeds, and have grown both ornamental and birdhouse types without any problem. I found this discussion forum about growing gourds, and a little over half way down the page, there are a few entries about zone 5. This is a very useful site for us all in the GHGS group, and I suggest that we all read through the questions & answers. It may be a good idea to save it on your HD for future reference. http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/gourds/msg0621090623797.html Happy gourding, maw