NASHUA — Most people probably don’t spend much time considering the intricate process of growing a loofah sponge every time they use one in the shower.

Many probably also have no idea that loofahs are actually vegetables.

Three Alvirne High School students, however, are learning about the chemistry behind the creation as they attempt to grow their own. On Wednesday, Alvirne sophomore Trami Nguyen, along with juniors Amaya Yi-Sing and Makayla McLendon, visited Nashua’s last working farm, Sullivan Farm, which is richly overflowing with grown crops and produce. The cornucopia includes apples, squash, nectarines and, yes, loofahs.

The students were able to put what they are currently studying in the classroom to work as they explored the farm and learned more about the crop.

The students are planning on growing loofah plants in the greenhouse of Alvirne High School. They were inspired after learning that one of the group members, Nguyen, has a grandfather who grows his own loofahs. The students said their teacher was able to help get them in contact with Melanie Murphy with GateCity Community Coalition, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to serve community members who may have a difficult time reaching other agencies that distribute food. The coalition has created resident-based food pantries within the community.

Hidden way up in the back of Sullivan Farm is a patch of loofahs grown by Murphy. Contrary to the belief of many that loofahs are grown in the ocean, loofahs are actually grown on vines in gardens during warm seasons.

According to Murphy, loofah aren’t the easiest crop to cultivate. They take 150-250 days to grow and that is, Murphy said, if they decide to grow. Murphy joked that one could do everything right and still not realize growth.

Murphy said the group will also have to find an alternative method for pollination, as there is a lack of bees due to the fact that they’ll be growing the loofahs in a greenhouse.

She suggested the girls plant extra seeds as well because it is not a guarantee that they will all grow.

“If you plant 10 seeds, it doesn’t mean you’ll have 10 loofahs,” Murphy told the students.

During their visit, Murphy showed the students which loofahs were ready to be opened and broke open a loofah to show them the spongy texture of the inside. They learned how to peel and de-seed the crop, as well.

The students will be working on their project for the next several months and plan on submitting it in a science competition.

Grace Pecci may be reached at 594-1243, or at gpecci@nashuatelegraph.com.