campcook
Pro Tracker
Reged: 11/26/04
Posts: 1096
Loc: Azle TX
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All I can say is, try it and see. Non- castille soaps (ivory is a castille soap) have additives which can cause them to get 'gloppy' when you melt them. I would grate it very finely, and melt it over VERY low heat.
If Dove doesn't work, try a milk-based soap.
Your library may have a book or two on making "Hand-Milled" soaps.
All you can do is try - if it melts smoothly, it will work in the loofa.
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Founding Member - THFOFC Auxiliary
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helomechmrs
Woodsman
Reged: 06/27/08
Posts: 110
Loc: Latexo, TX
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It's a little late in the year for me to plant luffa this year. But I do believe I'll start preparing a site for next year--setting up fence and preparing the soil. I really think I'll enjoy experimenting with some of the ideas you've mentioned.
Thanks for the info!
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Never argue with idiots. They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience every time.
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campcook
Pro Tracker
Reged: 11/26/04
Posts: 1096
Loc: Azle TX
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I also found out, while researching, that the small ones - less than 4" long - are very tasty, in stir fries and so forth...
I will have to find out if my sheep will leave them alone, as they love the other squashes. If not, then I will have to convince my wonderful, caring, sweet husband (anybody ill yet?     ) to make a sturdy trellis, away from the stock...
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helomechmrs
Woodsman
Reged: 06/27/08
Posts: 110
Loc: Latexo, TX
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I have a feeling your sheep are going to be thankful for all of the wonderful luffas! 
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Never argue with idiots. They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience every time.
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campcook
Pro Tracker
Reged: 11/26/04
Posts: 1096
Loc: Azle TX
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Thats what I am afraid of. Randall wants a brush arbor, which we will be covering with grapevines. I have noticed that not many animals like grapevines - even deer won't really eat them - but it will take at least a couple of seasons to grow a good cover.
So I was thinking of planting the loofa's along with the grapes, and leaving the vines on the arbor, as sort of an extra for the grapes to grow on. Randall may have to build a fence or something to keep the stock out and away from the arbor, till the grapevines are well and truely established.
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Founding Member - THFOFC Auxiliary
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helomech
Extreme Tracker
Reged: 11/14/07
Posts: 3816
Loc: Latexo, tx
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More honey do's for poor Randall. Probably for me too.
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helomechmrs
Woodsman
Reged: 06/27/08
Posts: 110
Loc: Latexo, TX
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I've never really thought about animals not eating grape vines, but it makes sense. They love the grapes, and eat them faster than I can pick them, but the vines are never disturbed. There is a type of garden barrier that I plan to look into. I read about it ages ago, so don't remember a lot about it, but remember enough to know that I need to check into it some more. It's some type of sound barrier that animals will not cross, but people cannot hear. It sounded a lot easier than fences, and more effective too. Something like that might be just the thing for you. The rabbits really got into my garden this year, so I plan to get some more info on this soon. I'll let you know what I find out.
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Never argue with idiots. They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience every time.
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campcook
Pro Tracker
Reged: 11/26/04
Posts: 1096
Loc: Azle TX
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Well I've found that a .22 does pretty good with controlling the bunnies - and just adds to the harvest. Dont have much problem with deer in our area.
We don't do much other than weed and water. Not certified organic, but pretty close. So what if some of the produce doesn't look perfect, it tastes good.
We rotate crops, and we have LOTS of ladybugs and so forth.
I guess I am just a lazy gardener. But I already am getting almost too much to process now...
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Founding Member - THFOFC Auxiliary
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