Fenugreek, also known as methi is a popular ingredient in Indian cuisine. It is widely used in a variety of dishes. Fenugreek has a slightly bitter, nutty flavour and is considered a nutritious herb.
Read More: Methi Mushroom: Mushroom And Fenugreek Curry
Fenugreek is hailed for offering many health benefits such as improving digestion, regulating blood sugar levels, and enhancing lactation in nursing mothers. If you’re a regular user of fenugreek into your cooking, you can easily plant a small fenugreek plant on your kitchen windowsill. The fenugreek plant thrives well in well-drained soil and sunny conditions. With minimal effort, growing fenugreek at home is simple and rewarding, offering a continuous supply of fresh leaves.
Here are some steps on how to grow fenugreek plants at home kitchen:
- Select The Right Container and Soil
First and foremost, choose a suitable container for growing fenugreek. You can opt for a shallow pot or tray with a depth of 4-6 inches as fenugreek has a relatively shallow root system. Ensure the container has proper drainage holes that prevent waterlogging. Fill the container with a well-draining potting mix, ideally one that is rich in organic mix. Fenugreek thrives well in slightly acidic to neutral soil, thus, you might prefer adding compost or balanced fertiliser to enrich the soil.
- Soak And Sow The Seeds
Before planting, soak the fenugreek seeds in water for about 6-8 hours or overnight. This helps to fasten up the germination process by softening the seed coat. After soaking, drain the water and scatter the seeds across the soil surface. Lightly press them into the soil but avoid burying them too deep. You can cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil to protect them while they germinate.
- Watering And Germination
Gently water the soil after sowing the seeds. Make sure the soil is moist and not waterlogged. Maintain consistent moisture levels by watering the soil regularly, especially during the initial stages of growth. Fenugreek seeds typically germinate within 3-5 days. Place the tray in a spot so that it receives plenty of sunlight for at least 4-6 hours.
- Thinning And Maintenance
After the seedlings have grown to about 2-3 inches tall, thin them out if you find them to be too crowded. This ensures that each plant has enough space to grow properly. The spacing should be 2-3 inches between plants. Continue to water the plants regularly keeping the soil moist at a stretch. Fenugreek plant is a low-maintenance plant and does not require additional fertilisation if grown in nutrient-rich soil.
- Harvesting
Fenugreek leaves can be easily harvested as microgreen after 2 inches tall, achieved within 10-14 days (about 2 weeks) after sowing. For mature leaves, wait until the plants are about 4-6 inches tall which usually takes around 20-30 days (about 4 and a half weeks). To harvest, use scissors and snip the leaves and stems at the base, allowing for regrowth. If you want to harvest seeds, allow the plant to fully mature, which takes about 2-3 months.