Most of us are familiar with loofahs—the trusty tool you use to scrub away the dirt during a shower. But did you know that the traditional loofah is made of a plant that you can grow right in your backyard? Thanks to Hawaiʻi’s tropical climate, cultivating your own loofah is not only easy and fun, but also environmentally friendly. By growing and harvesting loofahs, you can reduce plastic waste commonly produced by synthetic alternatives and minimize the amount of discarded plastic and microplastic pollution that enters our storm drains and local waterways.

Using a homegrown loofah means you’re choosing a product free of harmful chemicals, dyes, and plastics, while getting just as clean as you would with a synthetic scrubber. When you’re done with it, you can toss it in your compost bin as it is 100% natural and biodegradable. Being involved in the entire lifecycle of a product is both exciting and rewarding! Here are some helpful tips to get you growing your own loofahs at home.

  1. Select the right location. Loofahs love warm weather. Choose a spot that gets 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
  2. Find or purchase seeds. Loofah seeds are available at local plant stores or online. Soak the seeds for 24 hours before planting to speed up germination. Plant them about an inch deep in soil with about one foot of space between each plant.
  3. Water your loofah plants. While loofah plants need water, they don’t require a lot. Water them thoroughly once or twice a week. Keep the soil moist by adding mulch or leaves around the base. After a few weeks, the plant will start to grow vines which can reach over 30 feet. Consider using a trellis or beams to support their growth.
  4. Harvest your loofah. In about six months, once the gourd has browned and dried, it’s time to harvest. Remove the loofah from the vine, peel the skin to reveal the fibrous interior, shake out the seeds, cut as needed, rinse, and your loofah is ready to use!

By following these simple steps, you’ll have your very own natural loofah, perfect for scrubbing away the day in a sustainable way. Even better—grow your sustainable network by sharing your home-grown loofahs with friends, family, and neighbors!

Source: Natural History Museum