[FESTIVAL] Growing Loofah Sponges in my Garden

[Clara116]

Each day we have challenges before us all but hopefully we are learning of our footprint, the impact we have, and what that means on a large scale and also on a very small scale, in reference to our environment. 

Like many, I thought the world was so big, I'm just me and I can't really make a difference. But, seeing the impact, and learning from the professionals, I’ve learned that a whole lot of people, like me, can indeed make an impact with small positive changes to their lifestyles. 

David (my husband) is the organic gardener in the family and I'm the food manager,  cook, organizer, and loofah grower-lover. So, it was a natural fit for me to grow loofah sponges, which grow on a trellis/vine and not in the ocean, as I once thought. 

Loofah sponges are easy to use and great for a couple of things. They do away with the need to ever purchase cleaning sponges — I always grab for them instead of paper towels to wipe stuff up daily. They are the best cleaning helper I know of out there. They last about a year, you can wash and dry them out, or better yet, throw them in the dishwasher to thoroughly clean them for multiple reuse. I clean just about everything with them — my body, my face, our kitchen, the bathroom, dishes, and my Airbnb cottage. So, of course, I have different ones and sizes for different jobs. 

Many of our Airbnb guests read about the cottage, our lifestyle, and ask about our gardens — I love to show them around and share loofah seeds and sponges with them. Planting a small seed, I think, is the best gift I can give them, along with showing them that we don't always have to be the "throw away" everything, everytime generation. Often, we share veggies and flowers with guests and it has been such a lovely way of  bonding with and showing them that they can belong here too!

My small effort to make a tiny difference is with one small sponge at a time.

[Ann72]

@Clara116  You look beautiful, Clara, and what a great way to be sustainable!  I had no idea you could grow loofahs and that they had so many uses.  You're incredible!

[Stephanie]

I'm always inspired by the plethora of things you grow @Clara116 !

[Clara116]

@Stephaniecan you fix my  error....I wrote washing machine...I meant dishwasher! Guess you could put them in there...but I don't. Thanks. 

[Stephanie]

All sorted @Clara116 

[Clara116]

David gets the credit for all except the loofahs... however this season I'll take credit as I'm doing tons of gardening as he heals from shoulder surgery. So this summer I'll be showing what I had a hand in...lol 😆

[Stephanie]

I want to come over and eat the lot! @Clara116 

[Clara116]

@Stephanie you know you are invited....come on!!💥

[Daniel1651]

How exciting what you tell us, @Clara116 , and how inspiring is it!

Thanks for sharing it with the community and best regards to you and your husband David.

Good job!

[Jenny]

I hadn't even thought about using loofah for cleaning, @Clara116!  Thank you for the inspiration - I shall be making a change at home!  

[Laurelle3]

@Clara116 I will have to go hunting for loofah seeds and give it ago if I  don't I will never know.  Gardening is for the soul, pocket and mother earth.

[Elena487]

Amazing @Clara116 I’ve never heard of Loofah sponges before. Loved your story! Thanks for sharing!

[Christine615]

@Clara116  This is such a great post! I remember you telling us about growing loofahs and I had no idea. You are fabulous ❤️

[Flavia202]

@Clara116, lovely! Very inspiring!  

[J-Renato0]

Congrats to you @Clara116  and your husband on that sustainable attitude.
What a surprise. I grew up using this type of sponge when my family lived inland, in a small town. I think everyone in that town used it. Not only for bathing but also for washing dishes.
During a certain time, we had this type of plant that yields sponges planted in the backyard of our house. We didn't need to buy.
My mother still uses this type of sponge for bathing, even though she lives in a big city. Here there are some stores that sell this type of sponge.