At the beginning of winter, I once tried cultivating bitter gourd, but it didn't yield well. Due to excessive cold, many of the seedlings were lost from the beginning. Now I have again grown bitter gourd in my vegetable garden. However, this time I got some good yield. Starting from seed planting, I have been able to harvest suitable bitter gourds after 57 days. I hope the overall yield will be good.
I know that the yield depends on the soil quality. Bitter gourd can be grown in all types of soil, But it is better to cultivate in sandy loam soil. I have previously observed that gourd germinates well and grows well in sandy loam soils. The soil on my land has been good overall and hopefully, I will benefit as the yields start coming in. Although there is no thought of selling in the market. I am happy if I can produce according to family needs. My vegetable garden is elevated and flat fertile land. Needless to say, water does not accumulate in such land. My garden plot gets enough sunlight throughout the day.
Bitter gourd can be grown in both dry and humid climates. However, during excessive cold, the plant's growth decreases, and the leaves may turn curled, which results in damage most of the time. Therefore, it is best not to cultivate bitter gourd during extremely cold weather. Similarly, it is not advisable to grow bitter gourd during heavy rainfall as the plants cannot tolerate waterlogging. Hence it can be cultivated at any time of the year except during winter and heavy rains.
I collected the best seeds from the market and soaked them in water for 16 hours before planting. I prepared the soil well and sowed the seeds. I avoid planting the same crop repeatedly in this area to minimize insect and disease problems. To ensure proper growth, I maintain a distance of 10-12 cm between each seed for adequate ventilation. After 20-22 days, I created a bamboo loft for the plants. I regularly removed weeds around the base of the plants. As the tree grew, I pruned some of the lower branches. I think my regular insecticide spraying has prevented any virus or fungal attacks.
Taking care of plants is crucial for achieving a bountiful harvest. It's important to understand that merely planting the seeds won't guarantee a good yield. To ensure optimal growth, I make sure to purchase and apply appropriate fertilizers and pesticides based on expert recommendations. While I utilize both organic and chemical fertilizers, I believe it is advisable to prioritize the use of organic fertilizers, as they have more positive effects on the environment.
I chose bitter gourd cultivation for my vegetable garden because a bitter gourd contains many essential elements for the human body such as:
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin C
- Calcium
- Iron
- Thiamine (B1)
- Riboflavin (B2)
- Niacin (B3)
- Folate (B9)
- Potassium
- Zinc
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
One fresh bitter gourd contains:
| Calories | Protein | Fat | Carbohydrates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | 1 gram | 0 grams | 5 grams |
| Fiber | Sugar | Cholesterol | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 grams | 0 grams | 0 milligrams | 6 milligrams |
By adhering to the correct cultivation techniques, it is possible to cultivate bitter gourd in your own empty space of the house.
If you have started cultivating it, don't forget to share it here.
Note: Some of the media files in this post have been modified by different tools such as Photoshop, Filmora, etc.
