Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Grow Your Own Sponge
Back in the spring, I purchased seeds to grow luffa (loofah) sponges and started them. I bought mine fromLocal Harvest, but you can find them in many places. (Next year, I will have my own!) Many people don't realize that the luffa sponge is grown in this way. In fact, it can be eaten before maturity, though I had no desire to try it! It does require a long growing season, so I started them very early.
The luffa vine requires something sturdy to grow on. I used an old metal headboard next to a tall fence. When mature, they turn brownish/yellow in color. Once peeled, the black seeds are harvested and can be stored to use for next year's plants. The sponge itself is cleaned in a bleach solution and then dried in the sun. They make a practical bath or kitchen sponge and are an interesting novelty plant to grow.
I don't have any current pictures of my plants, butChas just shared hers this morning, which reminded me that I had not shared mine! Like she mentioned, my hope is to have these to give as gifts, paired with homemade soap.
Comments
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by homesteadinthemaking
Thank you for sharing. I have not ever thought to grow these but I may add them to next years list.
Blessings,
Trixi
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Thursday, August 21, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Niki@ruralwritings
I'm going to attempt to grow these next spring. I wonder if our growing season is long enough in Ontario. I make soap so would love to have these aw well.
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Friday, August 22, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by barefootquilter
This was the first year we tried the loofahs. I think pairing them with homemade soap is a wonderful idea for a gift. Unfortunately mine have no fruit yet. I don't think they have done too well. I will try again next year.
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Friday, August 22, 2008 - Neat
Posted by Anonymous
Amy, What a neat idea! I had no idea you could grow these! I must try some next year.
Have a blessed day,
Jill
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Friday, August 22, 2008 - Untitled Comment
Posted by Ruth
Amy,
How awesome. I did see this on Chas' blog. Will you be sharing those little seeds? LOL
Blessings,
Ruth
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Saturday, August 23, 2008 - I love your blog!
Posted by Anonymous
I enjoy reading your blog and I just nominated your blog with an I Love Your Blog award! You can get the details on my blog! http://plainandsimplykaren.blogspot.com/
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Saturday, August 23, 2008 - Very Cool
Posted by FruitfulVineof7SoFar
Thanks for sharing this. How very interesting. I knew they were grown, but I never thought about actually growing one!
How are you my friend??
:)
Off to read your Simple Woman's Daybook.
Have a restful and super weekend!
Love, Jacque
http://jacquedixon.com
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