From seed to sponge, our school-grown eco-sponges have been an amazing project for our Gardening Club. Last spring, the children planted luffa seeds and carefully nurtured the plants through a 9-month growing season in our polytunnel. Watching the vines grow and the gourds develop was an exciting lesson in both patience and care.

Once mature, the luffa gourds were harvested and dried. Some of our Gardening Club children have now helped to process the dried pods, peeling away the skin to reveal the amazing fibrous interior. The sponges were washed and rinsed and are now drying out beautifully ready for the next stage.

These natural fibres from the luffa plant can be used as a sustainable alternative to synthetic sponges. 

Our luffa project has been a brilliant way for the children to learn about sustainability. We’ve even saved some of the seeds so we can grow luffas again this year, continuing the cycle from seed to sponge.