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The loofah (luffa) plant, the sponge gourd, is easily grown in Southern California and will produce an abundance of affordable, compostable sponges which are easy to cut to size.
The loofah sponge is familiar to many as an exfoliant tool purchasable at beauty supply counters in department stores, beauty supply stores and similar departments of grocery stores.
A post on Instagram by The Ever Hopeful Gardener persuades the viewer to use a loofah sponge over purchasing a synthetic product, even paper towels!
The Old Farmer's Almanac (established in 1792) details how to grow the plant and points out "they’re actually cucurbits and grow on vines. Yes, they’re edible! Learn how to plant, grow, and care for loofahs." How to Grow Loofahs aka Luffas in the Garden Almanac.com
While much of the unworked soil of the SFV is generally of a clay composition; therefore, it will require some amendments. The Old Farmer's Almanac suggest "loamy soil, a pH of less than 6.5, and good drainage provide the perfect conditions for loofah."
Comments about "loofah" and luffa on the Southern California Organic Fruit and Vegetable Gardening group on Facebook include
- "Last luffa plant that I had lasted 4 yrs"
- "Almost 20 luffa plants and 2 tomatoes plants (grapes in the back along fence) I harvested about 80 luffa from 7 plants last year, hoping for 250-300 this year"
- "A little bit of my luffa trellis There are a little over 30 on there right now...and they just keep comin"
- "Homegrown luffa! Delicious when harvested young but when matured on the vine turns into a sponge for dishes or body washing! I might make luffa soaps with my extras."
And lastly Healthy-Juice suggests "Loofahs are warm-weather plants that thrive in sunny locations. Choose a spot in your garden that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Ensure the area has well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging."
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