Plant seeds in June for a bountiful harvest
In the heart of the growing season, the vegetable garden is bursting with life, and two standout crops are thriving - Pak choi and the poached egg plant.
Pak choi, a versatile and flavourful vegetable, is currently growing rapidly towards summer. Known for its crisp, juicy texture and umami flavors, this leafy green is a must-have in any summer garden. To grow Pak choi successfully, sow seeds from late spring to early summer or late summer to early fall. It thrives in cooler but not extreme temperatures, so it's essential to provide shade during hot summer months to protect the plants from heat stress. Keep the soil consistently moist and fertilize as needed. Pak choi is ready to harvest in just 30 to 45 days, and it's suitable for containers and garden beds, growing best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
While Pak choi is a popular vegetable choice, the poached egg plant, also known as Limnanthes douglasii, is a lesser-known flowering plant. It's primarily grown for its ornamental white flowers with yellow centers, adding beauty to garden beds alongside vegetables. The poached egg plant prefers cooler seasons similar to Pak choi and grows best in well-drained soil with full sun or partial shade. Plant it in spring or fall to avoid extreme heat in summer, and maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging.
For those interested in growing Pak choi, it's worth noting that the vegetable can be sown directly into the ground and harvested at 10cm tall as baby leaves. This method allows for all the flavour with none of the hassle of growing it to full size and helps to avoid the problem of bolting, which is common in summer.
In summary, to grow Pak choi, sow seeds late spring to early summer or late summer/early autumn, provide shade in summer, keep the soil moist and fertilize as needed. Harvest when leaves are lush and stalks are thick, typically within 30 to 45 days. It's suitable for containers and raised beds and grows best in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
For the poached egg plant, plant in well-drained soil with full or partial sun, sow in spring or fall to avoid summer heat, and maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging. It's mostly grown as an ornamental for its flowers, often in cooler seasons alongside vegetables.
Happy gardening!
[1]: Gardeners' World - Pak Choi [3]: RHS - Pak Choi [5]: Garden Myths - Pak Choi
Pak choi is a must-have in any summer home-and-garden, with its crisp texture and umami flavors perfect for various recipes. For those who enjoy home-and-garden activities, growth of Pak choi can be extended from baby leaves to full maturity, making it an ideal choice for both chefs and gardeners.
To enhance the beauty of a home-and-garden, consider incorporating the poached egg plant, its white flowers with yellow centers serving as an eye-catching addition to gardens. As it prefers cooler seasons like Pak choi, the poached egg plant can be planted alongside vegetables to create a vibrant home-and-garden space.
