Luffa

Luffa is native to Asia and grows best in hot weather, acidic soil, and at least six hours of sunlight. The unique luffa gourd fruits are eaten or dried for use as natural sponges. They take about 90 to 120 days to grow and up to 200 days until it is ready to be harvested for sponges.

It’s not too late to sow beans

Every year, I grow purple climbing beans and have great success with

- ‘Blauhilde’ and ‘Cosse Violette’, 

but if you prefer a traditional green bean, try 

- ‘Cobra’. 

 I also love to grow runner beans, and ‘Painted Lady’ did well here last year. 

 I’m trying out a dwarf variety called ‘Hestia’ this season, alongside the compact 

- ‘Merveille de Piemonte’ (which I bought by mistake last season but now adore) and the dwarf french bean ‘Faraday’. 

 All are good choices for growing in small plots and containers.