#loofa

So I just fall into your web

The gist:

1. Start seeds indoors. Do this about six to eight weeks before the last frost date. It can help to soak your seeds in water 24 hours prior to planting. This will help soften the hard outer shell around each seed and make it easier for them to germinate.

2. Harden off indoor seedlings before taking outdoors full time.

2. Plant them in mounds. You should plant your seeds in little hills, each of which should be about a foot apart along a fence or something else that your loofah vines can climb.

3. If growing directly outside, once each plant is about two inches tall, thin to a single plant (choose the healthiest one and cull the rest).

4. If you’ve already planted your loofah gourds and a cold snap threatens, put a cloche over your seedlings. This can be as simple as a plastic soda bottle cut in half with a few air holes.

5. Prevent deformed fruits by checking them as they grow and making sure they aren't getting trapped in a fence.

6. Choose the right variety. There are actually two species of gourds that are referred to as loofahs - Luffa aegyptiaca and Chinese okra.  You want luffa acuntangular, also known as smooth luffa, Egyptian luffa, gourd luffa, or dishrag gourd.

7. Use diatomaceous earth in the late summer. In the late summer and early fall, when your plants have produced fruits that are almost ready for harvest, you may want to apply a light dusting of diatomaceous earth. This will help prevent squash beetles, creatures who can decimate loofah plants.

8. When it comes time to harvest, make sure you know the ideal time to do so. Usually, you will want to harvest once the vines have died back, before the first frost in the fall. To remove your loofahs, pinch or cut them off at the vine. This will leave the plant in good stead if there are other gourds that will need to ripen. If a frost threatens, harvest your loofah sponges. Even if they are still green, it’s better to harvest them before the frost hits, as this will lead to premature rot.

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