First add the soil/ potting mix to the grow bag, till the soil to lift and loosen it and gently level the soil mixture. Tilling to loosen the soil is good for planting greens as the seedlings have fine roots which need to easily spread and grow in the soil. Sprinkle water over the soil bed. Then, take a small quantity of seeds, mix it with soil and sprinkle this over the soil bed, so as to cover the entire area uniformly. Sprinkle vermicompost to cover the seeds. A handful of vermicompost can also be sprinkled over the base of the plants once in 15 days.

For Gongura, since the seeds are big in size, compared to most keerai seeds sown by the sprinkling method, sow 2 seeds per grow bag/pot at a depth of 1”.

Greens like loose soil that is well tilled and fed with lots of organic material such as compost and manure periodically. Water the plants as and when required by feeling the soil to ensure it is not too dry or wet. In the early growth stages, sprinkling water is usually sufficient but make sure that while watering, the seeds do not wash out of one side of the container. Use of a watering can in circular motion can help. As the plant grows, you can water more.

Ground Growing Method:

A slightly different method is followed for growing the above greens in the ground. Plant seeds 1/2″ deep and 2″ apart in rows spaced at least 18″ apart. Sprinkle soil over the seeds and water well. Row markers may be used to indicate the different variety of greens planted. When seedlings sprout, use clean shears to thin plants to one every 8″ by cutting them off at their base. Water plants during extended dry periods to ensure that an adequate moisture level is maintained but ensure that you don’t over water.