How to grow a good vegetable in six steps

Seed selection: Look, smell and touch

1. "Look": Observe whether the color of the seeds is bright and uniform, and whether there are any mold spots on the surface, otherwise they may be stale seeds. If it is bagged, it is best to open a package and observe whether the seeds are uniform in size, otherwise they may be inferior varieties.

2. "Smell": Generally speaking, old seeds have a musty smell, and sprouted seeds have a faint sweet smell. Don't buy either type.

3. “Touch”: Grab a handful of seeds in your hand. The fuller the seeds feel, the better.

Experts recommend: When growing vegetables yourself, it is best to develop the habit of recording the seed germination rate, so that as you accumulate experience, you can better choose high-quality seeds. It is best to purchase seeds from a seed company. In addition to ensuring the quality, it is also convenient to protect your rights if problems arise.

Soil preparation

It is best to use leaf mold when growing vegetables on the balcony. It is mainly made of accumulated and fermented fallen leaves, dead grass, vegetable peels, etc. This kind of culture is rich in humus, which can retain fertilizer and drain water, and the soil is loose and slightly acidic.

Recommended by vegetable farmers: Pond mud is the first choice, river sand is also a good choice.

Germination: paper towel + transparent container

If you choose the seeds and sow them directly on the balcony, you may end up with half of the seeds not germinating.

After the seeds are treated with germination, the germination rate can be effectively improved. A relatively simple paper towel germination method can be used: spread a layer of soaked paper towel in the container, evenly sprinkle the seeds on the first layer of paper towel, then spread another layer of soaked paper towel, and finally seal the container. Depending on the germination period of the seeds, they will germinate after 3-15 days. After germination, transplant into the soil as soon as possible to avoid damaging the root system.

Expert recommendation: To facilitate observation of germination, it is best to use containers made of glass or transparent plastic.

Light: Seedlings need shade

Many city dwellers believe that as long as there is enough sunlight, vegetables will grow big. This is another misunderstanding.

"Sometimes too much sunlight can actually harm crops." For example, in late spring and early autumn, the sun is still very strong at noon. If this is the seedling emergence period of crops, direct sunlight must be avoided, otherwise the seedlings will get sunscald, which will affect the yield at best and even kill them at worst.

Recommended by vegetable farmers: It is best to use straw or corn stalks to build a shed (in cities, you can use a shade net), which can provide shade and allow ventilation.

Fertilization: Leftovers are best

If you use fertilizer such as manure to water your vegetables, you may not necessarily get a good harvest. Many people have found that the more fertilizer they apply, the more wilted the vegetables become. Natural fertilizers must be stored for a period of time and fully fermented before they can be used for irrigation.

Experts recommend: Leftover food and vegetables can be used to make fertilizer, which can meet the needs of crop growth without polluting the environment like manure. (For specific flower fertilizer production, please click on the link below: 13 ways to make your own flower fertilizer, without spending a penny!)

Orientation: Choose different vegetables for different balconies

Different vegetables should be selected according to the orientation of the balcony.

The south-facing balcony has the most sunlight and is suitable for growing most vegetables, such as cucumbers, bitter gourd, tomatoes, beans, zucchini, green peppers, lettuce, leeks, etc.

The north-facing balcony receives almost no sunlight, so you can choose to plant some shade-loving crops, such as lettuce, leek, asparagus, toon, and wood ear vegetable.

The sunlight conditions of east-facing and west-facing balconies are between the above two, but it should be noted that the temperature on the west-facing balcony is higher in summer, so crops should be prevented from suffering from sunscald. Crops that can be planted include: onions, lettuce, rapeseed, leeks, loofah, coriander, radish, etc.

Experts recommend: Choosing suitable vegetable plantings according to different orientations will increase the survival rate and avoid blind planting.

Vegetables for beginners

Generally speaking, growing vegetables requires rich experience and skills, and it is normal that the quality of the vegetables grown in the first year is not high. Beginners can choose vegetables that are easy to grow, such as lettuce, a fast-growing vegetable that can be grown all year round. It grows quickly and can be harvested in five or six weeks. Bitter melon, onion, ginger, etc. have strong adaptability and have a special smell. Insects don't like to approach them, and they can grow well without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.