Giant Bushel Gourd
Try something different and grow an enormous gourd! These giant gourds can grow 3-5 feet in circumference and weigh up to 100 lbs. These huge ornamental gourds can be dried and hollowed out for a lightweight autumn decoration or made into a bushel basket, drum or large bowl. 
Tips: Provide a trellis or lay down mulch to keep the gourds from having direct soil contact which can weaken the shell, cause distortion of shape or rotting. Late summer the leaves and stem of the gourd will wither and turn brown. Cut off the gourd, leaving about 2" of stem. Wash it in a solution with white vinegar water to deter mold. Place in a warm, dry location on a screen so that every side has good air circulation. If the gourd begins to rot and shrivel up, throw it away; surface mold is normal. Large gourds may take up to 6 months to dry. When completely dry they will be extremely lightweight and the seeds will rattle inside.