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Ridge gourd, also known as turai in Hindi and jhinge in Bengali, is a staple dish of every Indian vegetable lover. Ridge gourd is commonly used in dishes like dals, chutneys, sambar, and even pakoras. You may not like the taste at the very first go, but the health benefits give it the core value of consuming it. The vegetable ranges in colour from light to dark green and is a staple in many Indian households due to its versatility and nutritional value.
Growing ridge gourd in containers is quite easy, making it ideal for urban and suburban gardeners with limited space. Container gardening is becoming increasingly popular in short-spaced areas, offering a convenient way to grow fresh produce at home. With a few simple steps and proper care, anyone can enjoy a homegrown ridge gourd. Here’s a detailed guide on how to grow ridge gourd in a pot.
How To Grow Ridge Gourd In A Pot
Choosing The Container
A large container is essential for growing ridge gourd, as it is a heavy feeder. A 20-litre container is ideal, allowing room for 2-3 plants. The container should be at least 12 inches deep. Use a nutrient-rich potting mix with good water retention properties, incorporating organic compost to provide the necessary nutrients and retain moisture.
Seed Sowing And Germination
Soak the seeds in Amrut Jal or plain water for 10-12 hours to aid faster germination. In a 20-litre pot, sow 3-4 seeds with a 4-5 inch distance between them. Make 3/4-inch to 1-inch holes in the soil, place the seeds on their sides, and cover them loosely with soil. Water gently to keep the soil moist. Seedlings should appear in 3-5 days.
Supporting The Plant
Ridge gourd is a climber, requiring a trellis at least 6 feet tall for support. Ensure the trellis is in place when the plant is 6-8 inches tall, as this is when tendrils begin to form. A sturdy trellis helps the plant grow vertically, utilising space efficiently.
Watering And Mulching
Ridge gourd plants need regular watering, especially in full sunlight. Mulch heavily to prevent soil evaporation. Use a recycled plastic bottle for drip irrigation, making a small hole in the cap to release water slowly. This ensures consistent moisture throughout the day, supplementing regular watering.
Fertilising
Use Amrut Jal or an organic liquid fertiliser every 10-15 days, increasing frequency during flowering. When the first fruit appears, add 2 litres of well-decomposed compost to the container. Spread it evenly and reapply mulch. This provides the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and fruit production.
Pest Management
With fewer plants in containers, manual pest removal is effective. For ants, sprinkling turmeric around the plants helps. Nipping off excess tendrils ensures better fruit yield. Keep only a few tendrils for plant support, removing the rest to enhance productivity.
Pollination
Ridge gourd plants have separate male and female flowers, with pollination primarily done by bees. In the absence of bees, hand pollination is necessary. Pluck a male flower, remove its petals, and gently rub the stamen on the stigma of the female flower. One male flower can pollinate 2-3 female flowers.
Harvesting Ridge Gourd
Ridge gourd fruits mature quickly and are ready to harvest 8-12 days after pollination. Pick the gourds 2-3 days after they stop growing to avoid fibrous texture. For seeds or natural scrubbers, let the fruit dry on the vine. Use scissors or garden cutters to avoid damaging the plant during harvest.
Growing ridge gourd in containers is straightforward and rewarding. Ensuring proper nutrients and water leads to a hassle-free gardening experience. By planting them in a staggered manner, gardeners can enjoy fresh ridge gourd throughout the year.
