Getting Started with Luffa

I have always tried growing things that aren't typically found in a small home garden. Long about 2015 or there abouts, I decided to try Luffa and see if they would grow in my garden. I wanted to see if they were like a sponge and whether or not I could use them. I didn't do any looking into how to grow them, just plopped them in the ground. They are vining plants similar in color and shape to a cucumber or gourd, but the insides aren't edible.

I ran across a packet of luffa seeds stored about my refrigerator and decided to see if they would sprout. Here is part one in our journey from Luffa seedling to Luffa sponge.