How Do You Grow Loofah?
The loofah–also known as a loofa or luffa–doesn’t come from under the sea, or even from outer space: It grows in an ordinary garden. It’s actually a kind of gourd, related to pumpkins, zucchini and cucumbers. Familiar to most people as an energizing alternative to a washcloth in the bath, a loofah is good for gentle scrubbing of all sorts of things, from nonstick cookware to a beloved car. And loofahs are easy to grow. Choose the spot where the plants will go. They need six to eight hours of sun per day. In addition, they’ll need sturdy support as they grow. An existing fence will do, but a separate trellis for each plant is better. Install the trellises before planting your loofahs so you don’t disturb their roots later. Start seeds indoors if you live in a growing zone numbered 6 or lower. If you live in a growing zone numbered 7 or higher, start plants directly in the ground. Start loofahs indoors in pots that are 6 to 8 inches deep and a light seed-starting soil mix. Plant two or
