WATER SPINACH – गर्मी वाला साग (100 Seed)

🌱 How to Grow Organic & Desi Water Convolvulus (Kangkong / Water Spinach)

☀️ 1. Climate & Season

• Thrives in warm, humid, and wet conditions.
• Best temperature: 25–35°C.
• Sowing/Planting time in India: February–September (summer and monsoon).
• Can grow all year round in waterlogged or marshy areas.

🌾 2. Soil & Water Preparation (Organic Way)

• Prefers loamy, sandy, or clay soil that retains moisture.
• Soil pH: 6.0–7.5
• Enrich soil with well-rotted cow dung, compost, or vermicompost.
• Avoid chemical fertilizers — organic manure improves leaf quality and taste.
• Ensure standing water (2–4 inches) or very moist soil for best growth.

🌱 3. Growing Methods

(a) Direct Soil / Wet Bed Method

• Prepare a wet bed with 2–3 inches of water.
• Sow seeds or plant stem cuttings 10–15 cm apart.
• Keep shallow water throughout growth.

(b) Furrow Method

• Make small furrows with water channels.
• Plant stem cuttings or seeds along furrows.
• Maintains water levels and easy harvesting.

(c) Pot / Container Method

• Use 8–12 inch deep pots with moist soil or sand.
• Plant stem cuttings and keep pots constantly moist.
• Perfect for balcony or terrace gardening.

(d) Hydroponic / Water Tray Method

• Fill trays with water and organic liquid nutrients (cow dung tea or vermiwash).
• Plant stem cuttings floating or in small soil plugs.
• Harvest fast — ready in 3–4 weeks.

(e) Raised Bed Method

• Make raised beds with water channels on sides.
• Keeps soil fertile and ensures proper drainage.

💧 4. Watering & Care

• Keep soil always moist or maintain 2–4 inches of water for submerged cultivation.
• Spray water on leaves if grown in pots to keep humidity high.
• Remove weeds regularly.

🌿 5. Organic Nutrition

• Apply cow dung slurry, Jeevamrut, or Panchagavya every 10–15 days.
• Use vermicompost tea as foliar spray for greener leaves.
• Avoid synthetic fertilizers — they reduce flavor and health benefits.

🐛 6. Pest & Disease Control

Common pests: aphids, caterpillars, leaf miners.

✅ Organic Remedies:

• Neem oil spray (5 ml per liter) weekly.
• Garlic-chili extract spray for caterpillars.
• Remove damaged leaves to prevent pest spread.

🌼 7. Harvesting

• Ready to harvest in 3–4 weeks after planting.
• Cut leaves and tender stems 2–3 inches above soil — encourages regrowth.
• Continuous harvesting possible for 2–3 months.

🌸 8. Extra Tips

• Companion crops: Plant near tomatoes or peppers to repel pests.
• Mulch soil with straw to conserve moisture and nutrients.
• Can grow in water troughs, ponds, or marshy edges for continuous supply.
• Best harvested in the morning for maximum nutrition.