A lot of people have used a loofah sponge in the shower.There are sponges that can be used as washcloths, to scrub dishes and other surfaces, and even as back scratchers.loofahs don't come from a creature in the ocean.They can be grown in your own garden.
Step 1: Determine your plant's location.
You can use this to calculate when to plant your seeds.You can find your planting zone here.The loofah needs warm, frost-free days to grow.You have to start seeds indoors about 6 to 8 weeks before planting.Zone 6 growers should start seeds indoors before planting.If there is no risk of a hard frost, loofahs should be planted in the spring.
Step 2: Weaken the seeds by soaking them in water.
It can be done by soaking your seeds in warm water for 24 to 48 hours before planting.While they are soaking, stir the seeds once or twice.Rub the seeds between two sheets of sandpaper to scratch them.
Step 3: If you are in a cold zone, plant seeds in pots.
The seeds should be at least.75 inches deep in the soil.
Step 4: To avoid transplant shock, seedlings should be hardened.
When the soil and air are warm, this should be done.After one hour on the first day, leave the seedlings outside for another hour each day for a week.It is best to have a shady location that is sheltered from the sun and wind.
Step 5: You can transplant your indoor plants.
If you want to use anyfertilizer, add it to the holes.Quickly move the seedlings from the pot to the soil by soaking them in water.You want the roots to be kept out of the air.Around the moved seedlings, thump down the ground.When they were growing in their pots, they should be planted at the same depth.There are holes near a fence.
Step 6: There are several hills of dirt 3 feet to 6 feet apart.
They should be near a fence or climbing surface to give the plants a place to hang and vines to grow.If you did not start your plants indoors, this step is necessary.
Step 7: There are two seeds per hill.
The seeds should be about.75 inches deep in the soil.Thin them to one plant per hill when they are about 2 inches tall.As they grow larger, they will compete for resources.If you did not start your plants indoors, this step is necessary.
Step 8: Remove your loofah with water and weed.
Over the course of a week, apply two inches of water evenly around the roots.The shade from weeds can stun the growth of vulnerable small loofah plants.If the leaves of the plant turn brown, you will know you are over watering.Other vines like morning glories are the biggest weed problems.
Step 9: You can check weather reports for forecasts.
If there is a frost later in the season, you will have to pick the fruit before it gets too cold.Green loofahs can be used as sponges, but they will be smaller and harder to peel.Potential frosts can be caused by a cooler day, a night without breezes, and a lower dew point.
Step 10: Gourds with yellow or dark skin are a good choice.
Immature fruits don't have enough tough fiber to make sponges and should be composted.
Step 11: The loofahs can be cut from the vine.
The fruit needs to be removed from the vine.The rest of the plant is healthy because of this method.The bigger the sponge you will harvest, the longer the fruit is on the vine.
Step 12: The outer skin is tough.
If the skin is dry, soak the fruit in water.The skin can be pulled off in pieces if it's cracked.If you want to crack the skin yourself, place the loofah on a flat, solid surface and hit it with a rolling pin or stone.The fruit can be pressed gently until cracks appear.
Step 13: The rest of the seeds need to be removed.
If you cracked the loofah skin, some seeds may have already come loose.If you want to save time next year, you can spread the seeds on a paper towel and dry them at room temperature.Plump seeds are likely to grow.
Step 14: The sponge is coarse and fibrous.
A bucket of water with some dishwashing soap can be used.All seeds, rotten material, and signs of mold need to be removed.If you don't like the dark spots on the sponge, soak the loofah in a non-chlorine solution of bleach water.The solution is made by mixing bleach with water.
Step 15: The sponge should be dry in the sun.
Put it on a towel and turn it frequently.The water will be removed from all sides.The fiber can be used for other things.The sponge should be stored in a cloth bag after it is completely dry.
Step 16: The sponge should be cut to your preferred size.
Some people like to reuse their loofah sponges.Flat sections from the outer layer can be used as scrub pads.Smaller sponges will be made by crosswise cuts.It is a good idea to throw out loofahs after a few weeks of use.The loofah needs to be completely dry in between uses.