A: Dry gourds are fun to use for a variety of crafts. They can be painted, shellacked or left unfinished. In ancient cultures, dried gourds were used for a variety of tools and dishes.

Gourds, which are members of the cucumber and melon family, are warm season plants. Frost destroys them at both planting and harvesting times. When weather indications point to frost, all gourds that are hard and firm should be picked and stored in a cool, airy room on trays to permit free air circulation. If the gourds are soft, leave them on the vine, even if a frost is coming. Sometimes, the first frost hardens them.

Some gourds will dry out easily, while others will mold during the drying process. Since a gourd is 90 percent water, mold frequently forms on it. Mold is nature’s way of bringing the moisture to the surface. If mold starts forming on a gourd but the gourd remains hard, scrape the mold off with a dull butter knife and wipe the gourd dry. Watch carefully for any additional mold formation. If mold forms again, repeat the scraping and drying each time.

The drying process may take up to a month’s time. Keep the gourds in a cool, well-ventilated area and check them every few days. Remove any moisture and mold. If a soft spot forms, discard that gourd. You should be able to hear the seeds rattling inside once it is completely dry. Handle dried gourds with care, as they are light and fragile.

Q What city has been hit by the most tornadoes?

A: According to the National Weather Service, Oklahoma City, Okla., has been hit with the most tornadoes. The exact count varies because city limits and tornado reporting practices have changed over the years, but the known total is now more than 100.

Q: Why is it considered bad luck when a black cat crosses your path?

A: According to superstition, having a black cat cross your path may be lucky or unlucky, depending on where you live. The belief that black cats are lucky originated in Egypt, where all cats were considered so sacred that if one was accidentally killed, its killer was put to death. Cat cemeteries were common, and mummified cats were buried with their owners.

Black cats enjoyed no such exalted status during the Middle Ages, when it was believed that a witch could take the form of a black cat. One story has an English father and son meeting a black cat they suspected of being a witch. They stoned the cat and the next day encountered the witch in her human form. Her face was bandaged and she died shortly thereafter.

Q: How did the planet Saturn get its name?

A: Saturn was the Roman god of agriculture. The name is related to both the noun “satus” (seed corn) and the verb “serere” (to sow). The ancient Assyrians referred to Saturn as Lubadsagush, a name meaning “oldest of the old sheep.” Perhaps this name was applied because Saturn seems to move so very slowly among the stars, or maybe it reminded sky watchers of the slow gait of plowing oxen or grazing cattle.

Q: What’s the best hand cleaner for the mechanic in the house?

A: Try sugar. No matter what kind of soap you use, sprinkle a little sugar onto your palms. It will help wash the grease and grime away. For easy access, put some sugar in a shaker and keep it near the sink.

If you have a question for the Farmers’ Almanac write to Farmers’ Almanac, P.O. Box 1609, Lewiston, ME 04241 or e-mail: [email protected].