How to grow scallions at home? Detailed planting methods explained
Scallions are a common ingredient in our daily cooking. Whether it's stewing soup or cooking noodles, sprinkling a little chopped scallion instantly makes it more delicious. Nowadays, scallions are not only planted in the ground, but are also commonly grown on balconies. So, how do you grow scallions at home? What are the specific planting methods? What are their effects and benefits?
I. How to grow scallions at home? What are the specific planting methods?
Materials needed: scallion roots, flower pot, garden soil, shovel, watering can
Planting methods
1. Selecting seedlings
For growing scallions, you can directly buy untreated scallions from the market for consumption. When buying scallions, choose ones with fresh, emerald green leaves, and most importantly, with intact roots that still have a little soil attached.
2. Processing
Cut off the leaves above for eating, and don't just throw the remaining roots into the trash. When cutting, leave a bit more of the white part, which makes planting easier and improves the survival rate.
3. Preparing the pot
Scallions have low requirements for pot selection; any container will do, as long as there is enough space. If you have some flowers and plants at home and have space, you can plant them directly together, which saves space and can also help defend against pests and diseases.
4. Planting
Dig a hole in the pot, place the scallion in, cover with some soil, count 1-2-3-4-5, done. To make later care easier, press the soil flat with your hand to prevent the roots from being exposed when watering.
5. Care
After planting, water thoroughly and place in sunlight. As long as it's not below 0°C in winter, the survival rate is over 90%. After one week, the scallions will sprout new shoots, and you should fertilize in time. For home-grown scallions for personal consumption, it is recommended to use organic fertilizer.
When you want to eat them, just pinch them off directly; do not pull them up by the roots. This ensures you can continue to harvest them next time. It's simple and convenient, and also adds a touch of green to your home.
II. When to plant scallions?
Spring crop: transplant in January, harvest in March—mid-to-late April. To get an early harvest for the market, plastic film mulching can be used.
Summer crop: transplant from late April to early June, harvest from May—end of July. For this crop, shade nets can be used or it can be interplanted between rows of tall crops to supply the “summer slack” market.
Autumn crop: transplant from August—late September, market from mid-to-late September to November. When transplanting autumn scallions, the temperature is high, so you can scatter some rice or wheat straw between rows to cool down and retain moisture.
Winter crop: transplant from October—November, harvest from January—February.
III. Effects and benefits of scallions
1. Fever reduction and phlegm removal: The volatile oils and other active ingredients in scallions stimulate the body's sweat glands, achieving a diaphoretic and heat-dissipating effect; scallion oil irritates the upper respiratory tract, making it easier to cough up sticky phlegm.
2. Promoting digestion and absorption: Scallions also stimulate the secretion of digestive juices in the body, which can strengthen the spleen and stomach and increase appetite.
3. Antibacterial and antiviral: The allicin contained in scallions has a clear effect against bacteria and viruses, with particularly strong inhibitory effects on Shigella dysenteriae and skin fungi.
4. Cancer prevention and anti-cancer: The pectin contained in scallions can significantly reduce the incidence of colon cancer and has anti-cancer effects. The allicin in scallions can also inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
5. Preventing colds, headaches, and nasal congestion: Scallions contain various sugars such as glucose, fructose, and maltose, as well as a small amount of starch and cellulose.
6. Has a certain effect on vascular sclerosis and arteriosclerosis.