This Is How We Grow & Process Luffas For Sponges

This is our method of growing and processing luffas for sponges. Luffas (loofahs) have been grown for centuries as both a food item and a scrubby sponge like item that can be used just like any other sponge or dish scrubby. The best part, these home grown sponges are completely biodegradable and put zero micro-plastics into the environment. It's also really cool telling folks that in a northern climate like us, gardening zone 3, we grow and produce our own sponges from luffa gourds!
#Wilderstead #canadianhomesteaders #luffa #loofah
Subscribe to our channel: / @wilderstead
Website: www.wilderstead...
Facebook: / wilderstead
Instagram: / wilderstead
Pinterest: www.pinterest....
Email: [e-mail]
*affiliate links included

[@trevor5290]

Oddly, this was a most satisfying crop video to watch. All I kept thinking was how much these will be worth when shtf lol. I have to grow some as Christmas presents! ~Mari

[@Wilderstead]

I felt like Oprah at Christmas… you get a luffa, you get a luffa, and you get a luffa! 🙂

[@TheSkypeConverser]

Jealous!! I need this once i'm able!!

[@SamitShahzad]

After spending 35, 40 minutes watching your videos, I realized that you guys putting so much efforts time knowledge experience practice physical labor into you food and other homestead stuff, keep up the good works folks

[@carolkantner1770]

I want to grow those for a fun and useful project for grandkids too.

[@Wilderstead]

You definitely should Carol!

[@carlyprice4101]

Great Job with the video production. On point!!

[@ianscott2068]

This was very cool to watch! Interesting to me, as I started a couple of Luffa seeds last month as an experiment, here in Greece. I was curious about Luffa. I just transplanted one to the garden, yesterday. I don't know if the warmer autumn here will provide enough warmth, but I still have seeds to try next spring, as well.

[@PandJsHomesteadAdventure]

Hi! So happy to see a new video from you two! A fun plant to grow! You gave great tips on growing, cleaning, and drying. So many people we talk to, also think they come from the sea! Funny ending! LOL Another great video!

[@Wilderstead]

Thanks so much! 😊

[@ruthcaskenette8854]

Great video Amanda Love your laugh

[@Wilderstead]

🤗

[@sherylh4780]

Enjoyed your video very mcuh. Missed you guys!

[@Wilderstead]

We’ll be a little groggy for a wee bit as we come out of hibernation 😂 Thanks for swinging by!

[@mynorthernfarm7324]

Looking good you have enough sponges for couple years lol Guess I better get my loofah seed planted now lol

[@peaceofedenhomestead841]

I winder if youd have better luck starting them even earlier, like October, and transplanting them to your greenhouse in the winter, so they could mature in the summer heat.

[@trbig67]

I’ve grown these for about 30 years now. I had an old man that was Native American for a neighbor that got me growing them. He called them “Chinese Okra”. When they are young and green, slice them up like a cucumber, put on some paper towels for a bit to get rid of some of the moisture, toss in some cornmeal, then deep fry them. Good eating. Also, after picking, if you just hang them up to dry completely until they turn brown, then just roll them around, the skin will fall away and the seeds will be dark, ripe, and ready to plant next year. Plus, they just shake right out. Just one of these mature should give you more than enough seeds for replanting and sharing. Hard to find a more versatile plant. Feed you AND scrub your hiney! 😂

[@offgridwanabe]

Another DIY interesting video I guess there were not enough seeds to sell as your website does not show them.

[@Wilderstead]

Germination rates weren’t great with this round, so not selling any yet. We’re sharing a few around to see what kind of results a couple other folks have. Hopefully this year we can push some plants closer to maturity for good seed stock.

[@JimDockrellWatertone]

I would have never guessed you could grow them here. Is there enough to clean up Dave's act?...lol

[@Wilderstead]

😂 give your head a shake, Jim! He’s never gonna behave! 😆

[@PenStab]

From an economic perspective, did they feel "worth" the effort? I know that's not the only reason to grow something, but just thinking in terms of the time dedicated to them, the space in the green/hoop house, etc., is there much of a market for luffas? And about how much use do you get out of one sponge before you need to replace it? Awesome video! Thank you!

[@Wilderstead]

Good questions, we don’t grow much in the greenhouse in the summer, we use it to start seedlings and extend the seasons. It seemed to do well with the peppers we had in there. The plant in the hoop house took up minimal ceiling space, in a bed full of peppers. Not sure what the market is for luffas. :) it is hard to give a number about when the luffa is done, depends on a lot.

[@carolynmoody9460]

❤❤❤❤

[@FulbrightFarmstead]

Excellent video, thank you! We are planning on trying Luffa's this year but I'm a little worried how they will do in our short growing season without a greenhouse. Oh well, doesn't hurt to at least try!

[@Wilderstead]

Good luck!!

[@drekfletch]

Do you prune off the growing tip of the vine? I know that works to make late season tomatoes ripen faster, would it work for the luffas? It removes the potential for extra vining, making the plant panic that it's dying and put more effort into making seeds.

[@Wilderstead]

We did not try that, good idea!

[@ravincathomestead-cecilia2894]

Nice

[@genevievepresseault5108]

Where do you buy your seeds? And where exactly are you in Northern Ontario? I would like to grow them. I’m in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario.

[@Wilderstead]

We’re west from you, on Lake Superior. The seeds originally came from OSC.

[@genevievepresseault5108]

@@Wilderstead Cool thank you so much

[@pattythegypsy]

I am living in Québec and didn’t know luffas could grow here

[@Wilderstead]

With a little effort they can do great here!

[@genevievepresseault5108]

Do you guys live in Wawa, Ontario?

[@Wilderstead]

No

[@genevievepresseault5108]

@@Wilderstead Where in Northern Ontario? We’re in New Liskeard.

[@Wilderstead]

@genevievepresseault5108 as I mentioned before, we are west of you on Lake Superior.

[@mynorthernfarm7324]

Have you try eating any of the younger ones ,heard you can eat them.

[@Wilderstead]

We haven't tried eating them, yet. Maybe this year.

[@b.t.f6280]

Yes the young green ones are delicious...you can boil with other green veggies or slice them up and fry with potatoes.. it's a common veggie in northeast India..

[@AmandaTower-nc1nf]

How big will they get inside before transplanting?

[@Wilderstead]

They are a vine about 60 cm long when transplanted

[@raemombourquette3894]

I... I thought they were from the ocean...

[@Wasntborntopaybillsanddie]

I’m in south south Ontario, I got mine up to almost 3 feet long

[@Wilderstead]

Awesome!