Katrun ,just thought i would throw in my 2 cents worth., i have raised luffa gourd or squash or whatever you what to call it off and on for years. It can be eaten when small like squash but we always used it to bathe with. That is, after it has matured and dried out. Let the fruit hang on the vine until late fall and has turned yellow. Lift it with your hand while still attached to the vine. It should feel light as a feather. If not, leave it alone for a few days and try again. Cut it off to soon and it will rot. Even if i think i've done everything right some of mine just fall apart like shredded wheat when i try to use them. When done right, the squash will dry out to be tough as a boot and almost as handy. Use it in the tub to scratch dry skin or scrubpaint or grease off your hands. Use it in the kitchen to clean teflon skillets and dried ketchup off the countertops. I've had some last me for months of daily use. Just remember to scrape the outside skin off and shake out the seeds. Some people boil them atthis stage but i never thought it necessary.
