When do you pick them and how do dry them? Last year ended up with squishy mess.

senegaltictac
Dry the gourd fruits naturally by placing in an area with good air circulation. Bringing the gourds indoors may help them dry faster, but gourds can be dried outdoors even in cold areas. When the seeds rattle, the gourd is dry and ready for crafting. How long it takes a gourd to dry depends on the drying environment -- the warmer and the better the circulation, the faster the water will evaporate from the gourd. Light may help to retard formation of mold, but the mold on the outside of gourds is a natural part of the drying process; as long as the gourd remains firm to the touch, do not discard it. Turning the gourds and wiping off the mold on a weekly basis may help the gourds dry sooner. I would hang them in the garage from the ceiling - do not let them touch each other or anything else. Some gourds dry better than others, try this method. If it doesn't work this time you might have to try a different type gourd.
Tony M

I have dried gourds by leaving them on the vine until they turn brown, then placing on a screen surface elevated off the ground.

I agree with Dragonfly's ides. That has always worked for me too