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Summer veggie gardens are oftenfilled with Lycopersicon esculentum , cucumbers , and beans , but there are other option for more adventuresome gardener . The loofah works , sometimes also spell luffa , is a prime case . Loofahs are tasty , useful , a capital conversation dispatcher , and evenmake wonderful gifts . Want to fuck more about maturate this strange veg ? Here ’s your simple guide to growing loofahs .
What are loofah plants?
When you listen the word loofah , your first cerebration is likely the sponges — and you ’d be right ! Loofahs are a penis of the cucumber kinsfolk aboriginal to South and Southeast Asia . When the vegetable are new , they ’re edible and have a flavour similar to zucchini . If the vegetable are result to mature and dry , then they can be reap and sprain into sponges .
vegetable sponge are affectionate - atmospheric condition vegetables , and they do n’t tolerate the cold . to boot , they are annuals . If you want to keep growing them , you ’ll need to implant more each outflow .
Planting loofahs
embark on planting loofahs in mid - give or early summer . However , they can grow out of time of year if you have a greenhouse . Loofah industrial plant choose rich , well - draining soil . tot up compost to the soil before you begin institute is a great idea , especially if you have poor soil . When planting , be sure to space the seeds 8 to 12 inches apart . Loofahs grow on vine , so they demand plenty of room to grow and spread .
To ensure sizeable vines and fruit , add a treillage , fencing , or other climb structurealong the row . This keep them from climbing over other nearby plants , and it also keep the yield away from the ground , reducing the risk of damage from pest and disease .
How to care for loofah plants
Once plant , caring for loofah plants is pretty uncomplicated . fertilise them two to three time during the mature season . As they sprout , train them to uprise up the trellisby mildly tying the vines to the treillage . While growing on a trellis keeps the loofah safe , it also leaves the ground exposed to the sun . pee will vaporize faster , so you ’ll need to water them more ofttimes , sum up a layer of mulch , orplant a dwell mulchunderneath them .
How and when to harvest your loofahs
Your crop prison term depends on whether you desire to eat your loofahs or turn them into parazoan . For eatable loofahs , harvest them at three to six months erstwhile . With sponge loofahs , you’re able to harvest and dry them start out at six to eight months , but you’re able to also pass on them to dry on the vine . However , you should glean all your loofah plants before it suffer moth-eaten , to keep icing damage .
From cooking to cleaning , loofah plant have a lot to pop the question ! Now that you know all there is to know about growing and harvesting them , you’re able to enjoy fresh loofahs this summer . They make particularly good fellow to peas , beans , corn , and onion , both in the garden and on the plate .
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