How to Grow Water Spinach in Soilless Culture
Today, the editor will detail the plant breeding experience of growing water spinach in soilless culture. Let's learn about it together.
How to Grow Water Spinach in Soilless Culture
Before sowing water spinach in soilless culture, seeds should be treated to ensure germination rate. Sowing can begin after seeds have sprouted. Choose a substrate with good permeability for sowing, then cover it with a layer of sand and stone after sowing. Cover with a film to keep it warm and moisturized, maintaining a temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius. Seedlings should emerge in about half a month. Remove the film in time after germination to increase permeability. When seedlings reach about 12cm in height, they can be transplanted. No management is needed within the first week after transplanting. Fertilize after a week, and you can apply some flower fertilizer or vegetable-specific fertilizer.
Yield of Water Spinach Grown in Soilless Culture
Water spinach grown in soilless culture is beneficial as it saves planting space and is easy to manage. From May to October, water spinach is in its peak growing season, and it can mature and be harvested every week during hot weather. Annually, the average yield per mu can reach over 8000 jin.Planting Techniques for Growing Water Spinach in Soilless Culture
Water spinach can be grown in soilless culture using a substrate mixture of coal cinder or furnace slag combined with chicken manure, compound fertilizer, and organic fertilizer, which can be composted and then filled into the trough. For the nutrient solution in soilless culture, water spinach can be soaked in wood ash and fertile soil, and then the extracted liquid can be poured into a container for convenience and effectiveness. The process of growing water spinach in soilless culture is as follows: 1. Cultivation Method: Water spinach is not strict about water flow and requires a large amount of water. In southern regions, deep flow and floating mat capillary cultivation methods are mainly used. In recent years, substrate cultivation methods such as sand culture have also been adopted. 2. Sowing and Seedling: Water spinach can be cultivated in greenhouses throughout the year in southern regions, but the economic benefits are highest when sowing in October to December and harvesting in winter and spring (G-Y). Before germination, fill the trough with clean water to one-third of the cup. After germination, quickly remove the shading net, and change the trough to a nutrient solution. The nutrient solution concentration is one-third of the complete formula, and the EC value is controlled between 1.0 to 1.5 mS/cm. Use a water pump to circulate the nutrient solution twice a day. 3. Transplanting: When seedlings have 4 to 5 true leaves, they can be transplanted to the planting board. The planting board specification is 1.0m x 1.5m, with 60 planting holes per board. A greenhouse of 336 square meters can hold 160 planting boards, accommodating 9600 cups. After transplanting, the liquid level in the trough should be about 1 to 2 centimeters below the cup bottom. 4. Temperature Management in the Greenhouse: Vegetables require higher temperatures for growth. When the external temperature drops to 20 degrees Celsius, plastic film should be added around the greenhouse for insulation. When the external temperature drops to 3 to 4 degrees Celsius and persists for a long time, it is extremely unfavorable for the growth of water spinach. Measures must be taken to strengthen insulation and cold protection to ensure that the temperature does not drop below 10 degrees Celsius, otherwise frost damage may occur. Key Points of Growing Water Spinach in Soilless Culture 1. Planting Preparation: Soilless cultivation differs from traditional planting methods, requiring specialized planting equipment—cultivation troughs, which can be purchased or self-constructed, generally 30cm high and 50cm wide. The substrate mixture can use coal cinder or furnace slag combined with chicken manure, compound fertilizer, and organic fertilizer, which can be composted and then filled into the trough. When filling the trough, first lay a 5cm thick layer of sand at the bottom, then fill it with the mixed substrate, leveling it and ensuring it is not too compact. The substrate should be thick and consistent, then water thoroughly until the water completely seeps in. Cover with film for half a month, then planting can begin. 2. Sowing and Seedling: Before sowing, seeds should be treated to ensure germination rate. Soak the seeds in warm water at 60 degrees Celsius for half an hour, then rinse with clean water for 24 hours. Wrap the seeds with a damp towel and place them in a greenhouse environment to germinate. Rinse with warm water once a day. When seeds have sprouted, they can be sown. Choose a substrate with good permeability for sowing, cover it with a layer of sand after sowing, then cover with film to keep it warm and moisturized, maintaining a temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius. Seedlings should emerge in about half a month. Remove the film in time after germination to increase permeability. When seedlings reach about 12cm in height, they can be transplanted. 3. Transplanting: Control the spacing between plants at about 15cm x 15cm. Pay attention to timing and climate when transplanting. Generally, transplant in the afternoon, avoiding noon when the sun is strongest and rainy weather. Before transplanting, water the cultivation substrate thoroughly to allow water to penetrate, then transplant the seedlings, burying 2 to 3 stem nodes. 4. Management: Water spinach can be harvested multiple times throughout the year. To ensure rapid growth after harvesting, apply base fertilizer once after each harvest to provide the necessary nutrients. After each harvest, top-dress with urea. Additionally, as water spinach requires a large amount of water, it should be watered frequently to supplement moisture, ensuring thorough watering.Precautions for Growing Water Spinach in Soilless Culture
1. Selection of Seedlings: It is not recommended to buy seeds for cultivation. Instead, buy commercial vegetables from the market, using the top of the vegetable for planting, which can yield quickly with simple management. Note that it is important to choose varieties of water spinach suitable for hydroponics. 2. Potting and Transplanting: Remove the leaves of the water spinach, leaving only two leaves at the top. This is to allow the water spinach to take root quickly. Place floating material in the container, put the processed water spinach into the holes of the floating material, with one seedling per hole, and keep 3 to 4 nodes above the water surface. 3. Fertilization: No management is needed within the first week after transplanting. Fertilize after a week, and you can apply some flower fertilizer or vegetable-specific fertilizer. Fertilization can also be achieved by supplementing with fertile soil or the leachate of wood ash; directly applying chemical fertilizer is also an option, with 1 gram of compound fertilizer per 5 liters of water and 1 gram of urea per 10 liters of water, which can be adjusted according to growth conditions. 4. Harvesting: Water spinach should be harvested when it has grown 6 leaves, otherwise it may affect the taste. Fertilize after each harvest, and multiple harvests can be done.Declaration: This article on Growing Water Spinach in Soilless Culture is compiled by flower friends. If there are any inaccuracies in the content, please contact us for modification. If this content inadvertently infringes upon your rights, please contact QQ: 58589584 for immediate deletion.
Knowledge Expansion
What is Water Spinach
Water spinach belongs to the Solanaceae family of the Convolvulaceae family, also known as water spinach, water spinach, water spinach, etc. Generally, water spinach is available from April to October every year, and its common production area is in the Yangtze River basin. It has many benefits, and many people like to eat water spinach.
What is Water Spinach
Water spinach belongs to the Solanaceae family of the Convolvulaceae family, also known as water spinach, water spinach, water spinach, etc. Generally, water spinach is available from April to October every year, and its common production area is in the Yangtze River basin. It has many benefits, and many people like to eat water spinach.
What Does Water Spinach Look LikeThe stem of water spinach is cylindrical with many nodes, and the roots grow on the nodes. The shape of the leaves is varied, and the size is not uniform, generally ovoid, oblong or lanceolate, with a green color.
How to Cook Water Spinach
1. Stir-fry
Generally, wash water spinach and garlic separately, then add oil and garlic to stir-fry until fragrant, then add water spinach and cover with a lid for a while.
2. Cold Salad
Chop water spinach and set aside, then heat oil and water spinach in a pot, drain and add some garlic, salt, monosodium glutamate, and vinegar, mix in water spinach and marinate for a while.
Benefits and Functions of Water Spinach
Water spinach contains a high amount of crude fiber. Regular consumption can promote intestinal peristalsis and effectively relieve constipation and detoxify. Additionally, it can be used as a medicine to treat skin itching, etc.
Growing Environment and Conditions for Water Spinach
Water spinach is widely distributed in central and southern China, prefers a warm and humid environment, and is not resistant to cold or heat. It can grow from April to October in provinces along the Yangtze River. The suitable growing temperature is between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. In southern regions, it can be planted from April to July, and in northern regions, planting is slightly later, from June to August. Seeds should be germinated in advance and planted when they have sprouted.
Growing Environment and Conditions for Water Spinach
Water spinach originally comes from China and is a widely cultivated vegetable, sometimes found in the wild. The planting area is larger in central and southern China, and it is distributed throughout tropical Asia, Africa, and Oceania.
Conditions for Growing Water SpinachWater spinach is more widely distributed in southern China, prefers a warm and humid environment, and is not resistant to cold or heat. It can grow from April to October in provinces along the Yangtze River.
Temperature for Growing Water SpinachFor the spreading growth of water spinach, the temperature should be maintained between 25 to 30 degrees Celsius, and under such conditions, the vines and leaves grow vigorously.
The Growing Process of Water Spinach
1. Water spinach is suitable for growing in soft and fertile farmland, preferably with convenient watering and sufficient sunlight. 2. It is suitable to plant water spinach at around 20 degrees Celsius. If planting outdoors, it should be done in summer or autumn. However, if planting in spring or winter when the temperature is relatively low, it should be done in a greenhouse. 3. Regardless of where it is planted, suitable soil must be found for planting, which can, to some extent, increase the survival rate of water spinach.
Planting Time and Methods for Water Spinach
Water spinach is suitable for planting in spring. In southern regions, it can be planted from April to July, and in northern regions, planting is slightly later, from June to August. Prepare loose and fertile soil in advance for planting. Soak the seeds in warm water, then germinate and plant in the soil when the seeds have expanded and sprouted. Finally, cover with a layer of soil.
How to Plant Water Spinach Seeds
Water spinach can be planted by retaining the root or seeds. The sowing period for early spring water spinach in solar greenhouses is around mid-February, and the sowing period for open-air cultivation is around late March. During the sowing process, 3 to 5 seeds are sown per hole, and the seed consumption per mu is 2.5 to 3.0 kilograms. After planting, strengthen the management of fertilization and watering, and do not apply too much top-dressing to ensure that the plants grow better.
Introduction to Water Spinach Seeds
Water spinach, also known as water spinach, water spinach, water spinach, water spinach, is a plant in the Ipomoea genus of the Convolvulaceae family. This species originally comes from East Asia and is now widely cultivated as a vegetable, or sometimes escapes to become a wild species. Water spinach is suitable for growing in a warm and humid climate with fertile and moist soil, and is not resistant to cold. When frost occurs, the stems and leaves wither and die. Water spinach seeds can be retained directly from the root (vegetable head) or seeds, and water spinach seeds are generally priced at around 80 yuan per jin.Planting Time for Water Spinach SeedsThe sowing period for early spring water spinach in solar greenhouses is around mid-February, the sowing period for open-air cultivation is around late March, and the sowing period for greenhouses in autumn is from late May to early June. The sowing period for energy-efficient solar greenhouses is generally around mid-September.Planting Methods and Process for Water Spinach Seeds
During the sowing process, 3 to 5 seeds are sown per hole, and the seed consumption per mu is 2.5 to 3.0 kilograms. Seedling transplanting adopts the method of sowing and thinning. After sowing, cover the seeds with 1cm of soil. The sowing area per mu requires 50 to 60 square meters, and the seed consumption is about 2.0 kilograms. This vegetable has strong adaptability to soil, is resistant to fertilizer and waterlogging, and can be cultivated even in poor soil. Apply about 3 to 4 tons of organic fertilizer and 50 kilograms of diammonium phosphate. About 30 days after sowing, plant at a row spacing of 30cm x 35cm, with 3 to 4 seedlings per hole, or at a row spacing of 18cm x 35cm, with 2 seedlings per hole. When planting, first water the seedlings, then plant them in the soil to promote slow growth.Precautions for Planting Water Spinach Seeds
1. After planting, we should strengthen the management of fertilization and watering, apply about 10 kilograms of quick-acting nitrogen fertilizer per mu, and the amount of top-dressing should not be too large, so that the plants can maintain moist soil during growth. Fertilize after each harvest. 2. To prevent the existence of weeds from affecting plant growth, when the ground turns white, lightly hoe to promote root development and create a favorable environment for healthy plant growth. 3. The main pests and diseases of this vegetable are white rust, leaf spot, aphids, etc. Production should strictly adhere to a "prevention-first" approach, and pesticides should not be used during harvesting.Related Issues
How to Grow Water Spinach on a Balcony?Could you please tell me how to grow water spinach on a balcony? The solution is as follows, 1. How to grow vegetables on a balcony: Pay attention to two aspects: one is based on personal preferences and needs, and the other is to consider which vegetables are suitable for the environmental conditions of your own balcony. Generally speaking, if space permits, most vegetables and fruits can be planted on a balcony. South-facing balconies with full sunlight and good ventilation are the most ideal for vegetable planting. Almost all vegetables require full sunlight for growth...
Why Are the Leaves of Water Spinach Yellowing?Could you please tell me why the leaves of water spinach are yellowing? The solution is as follows, water spinach leaves should be watered and fertilized more. After each harvest of water spinach, water with urine once. If the leaves continue to yellow, add magnesium fertilizer.
What is the Growth Cycle of Water Spinach?What is the growth cycle of water spinach? I am sincerely seeking help. The solution is as follows, water spinach, also known as water spinach, water spinach, water spinach, water spinach, has a hollow stem, hence the name "water spinach". Water spinach is not only a fast-growing leafy vegetable but also has high nutritional value and medicinal effects, and is widely cultivated in southern China. Detailed discussion of high-yield cultivation techniques for water spinach is of great significance for improving its yield and quality. Water spinach is a vine plant, mainly propagated by...
How to Germinate Water Spinach Seeds?How to germinate water spinach seeds? I am sincerely seeking help. The solution is as follows, apply base fertilizer (preferably fermented manure). Around mid-February, place the old vines on the ground, maintain humidity in the greenhouse, and heat the greenhouse. A week before germination, control the temperature to around 30 degrees Celsius during the day and 10 to 15 degrees Celsius at night. However, it is relatively slow. Sprinkle a little urea, not too much, otherwise it may burn the seedlings. When the weather is suitable, the buds will come up in a few days, and after about ten days, they can be harvested. After the first harvest...
How to Water Water Spinach?Could you please tell me how to water water spinach? The solution is as follows, starting from the beginning of March and April, it can be cultivated on the ground. After one month, it can be transplanted onto the water surface. Only a few fixed stakes need to be placed on the water surface, and a fishing net is spread to fix the water spinach in the mesh of the net. As the weather gets hotter and the temperature gradually rises, the water spinach will spread and branch on the water surface, from one plant to several plants, and gradually connect into a piece. Growing water spinach on the water surface is a win-win situation. After transplanting to the water surface, it takes about 25 days...