How to Grow Hairy Gourd (Jiegua)? A Detailed Guide to the Latest Planting Methods
Hairy gourd, also called fuzzy melon, is a variety of winter melon and an annual climbing plant of the Cucurbitaceae family. Hairy gourd originated in southern China and grows best in places with high temperatures and strong light. It has certain effects of clearing heat and relieving summer heat, reducing swelling and promoting urination. It is a fruit very suitable for eating in summer, and in our daily life it is very popular whether used for making soup or stir-frying. Today, the editor brings you the planting methods for hairy gourd. Let's take a look below!
1. Planting density
Before planting hairy gourd, we first need to dig a bed about two meters wide in the soil. About two rows of hairy gourd can be planted per bed, and the distance between each planting hole is generally 45cm. No more than two plants should be planted per hole, and at most about 3000 plants can be planted per mu of land. After planting, water the plants immediately, then cover them with a layer of plastic film. If the nighttime temperature is too low, you can cover the plastic film with a layer of straw to keep it warm. The hairy gourd planting area needs to be established in a place that is sheltered from the wind and facing the sun, has sufficient water sources, is free of disease, and has a good drainage and irrigation system.
2. Fertilizer and water management
After planting hairy gourd, it needs to be watered immediately, and then no watering is needed until it begins to vine. Once hairy gourd starts to vine, watering and fertilizing need to begin. At least 150 jin of diammonium phosphate should be applied per mu of land. When the first hairy gourd begins to grow to about 15 cm, the hairy gourd then needs to be watered frequently, and the soil moisture must be maintained at all times, because this stage is when hairy gourd needs water the most. After the second hairy gourd grows, topdressing needs to begin, because sufficient nutrients must be provided to supply the growth needs of the hairy gourd.
3. Plant adjustment
During the process of growing hairy gourd, the plants must always be kept growing well, and their appearance should be trimmed to some extent. When tendrils appear on the hairy gourd, the work of setting up trellises and guiding the vines must be done for the plants. Hairy gourd is generally trellised into a “人”-shaped form, which can not only speed up plant growth but also effectively prevent and control some pests and diseases. Before the fruiting period arrives, all side vines growing from the base of the main vine should be removed to prevent them from competing with the main vine for nutrients. In the late fruiting period, remove all side vines on the lower part of the plant and keep the side vines on the middle and upper parts of the plant, which can effectively increase the yield.
4. Timely harvesting
The harvesting time of hairy gourd is also very particular. It must not be too late or too early. Harvesting too late will make the hairy gourd overripe, prone to fruit cracking and prone to pests and diseases, and it may miss the market period. Harvesting too early will cause the hairy gourd to be not mature enough, affecting quality and reducing commercial value. The time when hairy gourd generally matures is usually within 1-2 months after the first flower opens. The specific harvesting time needs to be weighed according to the degree of maturity, market demand, and consumers' eating habits, among other aspects. For example, if there are many people who like to eat tender gourds, then harvesting and marketing can begin when the hairy gourd is about 1 jin.
The above is a brief introduction to the planting methods for hairy gourd. When planting hairy gourd, attention needs to be paid to fertilizer and water management. Having a correct fertilizer and water management method can allow hairy gourd to grow and develop better in the later stage. What also needs attention is pests and diseases. Pests and diseases are a headache for every crop. Everyone should do a good job in garden management to reduce pathogens and lower the incidence of disease. This article is for reference only. I hope it can be helpful to everyone.