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Toor dal or Arhar dal in India, is a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine. They are primarily used to make dal, a flavourful, protein-rich lentil dish often paired with rice or roti. Toor dal is also an essential part of various curries, soups, and stews, especially in Southern and Western India. It is used to prepare dishes such as sambar, a lentil-based stew, and rasam. The peas are sometimes roasted and ground into flour for making bhajis and snacks. Rich in protein, fibre, and essential nutrients, pigeon peas are a vital part of a balanced Indian diet.
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There are various types of pigeon peas, and the variety you choose will depend on your climate and the duration of your growing season. For container gardening, it’s best to choose a dwarf or bush variety, as these tend to be more compact and manageable for pots. Standard pigeon pea varieties can grow quite tall (up to 6 feet), which might not be suitable for smaller containers. You can easily find pigeon pea seeds from nurseries or online gardening stores. Choose fresh, high-quality seeds to increase your chances of successful germination.
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Preparing To Plant Pigeon Peas
The first step in growing pigeon peas in a pot is selecting the appropriate container. Pigeon peas have deep roots, so you need a pot that is at least 18–24 inches deep and 14–16 inches wide. This will provide enough space for the roots to grow and allow the plant to develop properly. Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging.
Pigeon peas prefer well-draining, loamy soil. It’s essential to use a good-quality potting mix, which can be purchased from a garden store or made by mixing equal parts of garden soil, compost, and sand for proper drainage. Adding organic compost or well-rotted manure will improve the soil’s fertility and provide the nutrients needed for healthy growth. Before filling your pot with the potting mix, make sure it is pre-moistened. This helps in the initial stages of planting, as seeds can easily dry out in dry soil.
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Planting Pigeon Peas
Once your pot is ready with the right soil mixture, it’s time to plant the seeds. Start by making small indentations in the soil about 1–1.5 inches deep. Place 2–3 seeds in each hole to account for possible failed germination, then cover them lightly with soil. You can space the seeds about 3–4 inches apart within the pot.
Germination usually takes about 7–10 days, but it can vary depending on temperature and humidity. It’s important to keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Water gently after planting, using a watering can with a fine spout to avoid disturbing the seeds.
Pigeon peas require full sunlight to grow properly. Choose a location for your potted plants that receive at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight every day. A sunny balcony, terrace, or windowsill is an ideal place to grow pigeon peas in pots. If you're growing them indoors, make sure they are placed near a south-facing window where they can get maximum sunlight.
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Caring For The Pigeon Peas Plant
Pigeon peas are drought-tolerant once established, but they need regular watering, especially during the early stages of growth. Ensure the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. As the plants mature, reduce watering slightly, as pigeon peas are more tolerant of drier conditions during their flowering and pod-setting phase. Always check the soil’s moisture level before watering to avoid overwatering.
While pigeon peas are nitrogen-fixing plants they naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen, they will benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth. You can use a general-purpose liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Organic options like compost tea or well-rotted manure can also be used to provide additional nutrients. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of pod production.
As your pigeon pea plant grows, it may need some support to keep the branches upright, especially if it’s a taller variety. You can use small stakes or a trellis to help the plant grow vertically. Pruning the plant to remove dead or yellowing leaves can also help improve airflow and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Pigeon peas are relatively resistant to pests and diseases, but they can occasionally be affected by aphids, caterpillars, or fungal infections. Regularly inspect the plants for pests and remove them by hand or use a mild insecticidal soap if needed.
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Harvesting Pigeon Peas
Pigeon peas take about 6–8 months to mature and produce pods, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The pods are typically ready for harvest when they turn brown and dry. Simply pluck the pods from the plant and let them dry completely. Once dried, you can open the pods to collect the peas. If you prefer, you can harvest them when they are still green and cook them fresh, though the flavour and texture may differ slightly from dried peas.
