Family Gardening Guide: Detailed Explanation of the Cultivation Method and Maintenance Skills for Fishy Smell Herbs

Choose a suitable planting environmentSoil selection and preparationPlanting time and methodDaily maintenancePest and disease controlHarvesting and storage

Garlic grass, also known as Houttuynia cordata, is a common Chinese medicinal material with the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, diuretic and detumescence. With the increasing emphasis on health and wellness, the cultivation of garlic grass at home has become more and more popular. This article will introduce the home cultivation method of garlic grass in detail to help you easily grow this beneficial plant at home.

Choose a suitable planting environment

Garlic grass has strong adaptability, but in order to ensure its vigorous growth, it should be planted in a sunny and well-drained area. When growing indoors, you can choose a location near the window to ensure sufficient sunlight every day.

Soil selection and preparation

Garlic grass prefers fertile and well-drained soil. Sandy loam or decomposed leaf soil can be used as the planting soil. Before planting, deeply turn the soil and apply an appropriate amount of base fertilizer, such as decomposed chicken manure or cow manure, to improve soil fertility.

Planting time and method

Garlic grass is suitable for planting in spring and autumn. You can choose to plant with purchased mature plants or cutting propagation. When planting with mature plants, trim the roots neatly, plant them in the soil, and water thoroughly. When planting with cuttings, select healthy branches, insert them into the soil, and keep the soil moist. They can take root in about a month.

Daily maintenance

1. Watering: Garlic grass prefers a humid environment but should not accumulate water. When watering, keep the soil moist but avoid excessive moisture. During the hot summer, increase the frequency of watering appropriately to keep the soil moist.

2. Fertilization: During the growth period of garlic grass, apply a compound fertilizer once a month to supplement nutrients. In the peak growing period, you can increase the amount of fertilizer appropriately.

3. Pruning: During the growth of garlic grass, prune the withered and yellow leaves and weak branches in time to keep the plants ventilated and well-lit, promoting healthy growth.

Pest and disease control

During the growth of garlic grass, it may be invaded by pests such as aphids and red spiders. When pests and diseases are found, take measures in time. You can use biological pesticides or low-toxic pesticides for prevention and control to avoid harm to the environment and the human body.

Harvesting and storage

Garlic grass can generally be harvested 3-4 months after planting. When harvesting, dig up the plants along with the roots, remove impurities, and dry them in the shade. Then they can be stored. When storing, place the garlic grass in a dry, well-ventilated place to avoid moisture.

The home cultivation method of garlic grass is relatively simple. As long as you master the planting environment and daily maintenance techniques, you can easily grow this beneficial plant at home. I hope the introduction in this article can be helpful to you, allowing you to enjoy the fun of planting while also harvesting health and deliciousness.