Not only did the last frost cause the demise of my peppers, but the luffas took a hit as well. They are a little slow to get started but once they get going they really get going. All of their bed companions have long since been composted. They are left hanging on a season weary trellis, daring the frost to come and finish them off.
And so it was – the final summer crop was removed from the garden, its stalks and stems composted and its fruit harvested. It is always a fun crop to grow, not to eat – although you can eat the young luffas, but it has a surprising use.
Most people think the luffa sponges that find their way into bathrooms everywhere come from the sea. Or little thought is given to their origin as they are scraped up and down dried skin to restore a soft smoothness. However, it isn’t anything as fancy as an exotic sea creature, but a humble vine that can be grown easily in most gardens.
Exposing the wonderful exfoliating fibre from the plant is a simple process:
Told you it was easy. If you haven’t grown luffas before then give it a go – they are such fun and will make wonderful gifts – if you don’t keep them all for yourself, because they are really cool.
Come again soon – its winter tomorrow.
Sarah the Gardener : o)
Boy do I feel dumb. I never knew they were a plant. So interesting!
It is so easy to not even think about some common things around us. They make fab gifts because people don’t expect you to have grown them and they are so easy to grow. : o)