Balcony growing of loofah is gaining favor, what are the methods and key management points?

  Loofah is a common vegetable; it can be used in soup and also stir-fried, and the taste is very good either way. After loofah matures, the loofah sponge can also be used to wash dishes, so it is fair to say it has many uses. Loofah can not only be grown in open fields, but also planted in pots on balconies. Below, let us learn the balcony pot-planting method for loofah.

  1. Preparing materials in advance

  To grow loofah on a balcony, prepare a large container or a foam box, and put in fertile *soil; you can mix in a little microbial fertilizer specially for vegetables. Loofah is generally planted in late spring and early summer; choose an easy-to-grow variety and sow on a clear, sunny day.

  2. Soaking seeds before planting

  Before planting loofah, soak the seeds in warm water at 30 degrees for three to four hours, then wrap the seeds in a wet pure cotton towel and place them at 25-30 degrees to germinate; once more than half of the seeds have sprouted white, they can be sown.

  3. Sowing and planting

  Evenly scatter the seeds on top of the *soil, cover with a thin layer of *soil, water thoroughly, and wait until they sprout. During this period, keep the *soil moist; when the temperature is lower, plastic film can be placed over the pot to provide insulation.

  4. Routine care

  If loofah grows slowly, it may be because the *soil lacks organic matter, so apply additional microbial fertilizer specially for vegetables as much as possible. During the seedling growth period, pay special attention to fertilizing to ensure its growth. When the seedlings have grown to a certain extent, insert bamboo poles or tree branches to secure the vines and let them climb and grow. During the seedling growth period, promptly remove tendrils, yellow leaves, weak leaves and unnecessary male flowers.

  Before the first fruit sets, remove all side vines; when the main vine has climbed to 4 to 5 m, the top of the vine can be pinched off. After the female flowers grow, artificial pollination can be carried out: use a soft brush to dip pollen from the male flowers and apply it to the stigma of the female flowers, at 5 to 6 in the afternoon.

  Loofah is a vegetable rich in nutrition, and using it has many benefits for the body, so if you have the conditions, you can try growing it in pots.