Gourd

May be more closely related to the cucumber than to the hardshell Lagenaria. Also known as Dishrag Gourd, dried and used for making bath sponges. Some folks pick them young, steam and pan-fry them. In addition to being a scrubber and a comestible, this versatile gourd has been used to make soundproof wall boarding, to insulate army helmets, to stuff mattresses and saddles and even to make filters for steam engines and diesel motors! We recommend trellising if you want your luffas to remain straight. Caution: Luffa requires a long season. Start indoors and culture like melons. ② Family-owned companies or cooperatives, domestic and foreign Culture: Very long season: Luffa must be started indoors 4 weeks before transplanting after last frost. Use row covers and low tunnels to help maturity and reduce insect damage. Trellis if you want your luffas to be straight.