FENUGREEK GROWING FACTS:

Fenugreek, also known as Methi, is an aromatic plant that has many uses, both culinary and medicinal. When it comes to gardening, fenugreek has always been considered one of those perfect-for-beginners plants. You can even engage your kids in the project. Fast growth and speedy results will help your kits develop an interest in gardening.

GIY KIT CONTENTS:

HOW TO PLANT:

Fill your pot with the given growing medium. Wet the growing medium with water to provide the right environment for seeds to germinate.

Sow the seeds ¼ inches deep and cover with growing medium.  Sow the seeds 2 inches apart to allow proper plant growth.  

Keep the growing medium moist by spraying water daily. 

GERMINATION:

Fenugreek seeds will sprout quickly and you’ll see seedlings just within 3 – 5 days.

Fenugreek Day # 10

WATER REQUIREMENT:

Water the fenugreek plants gently and thoroughly. Check the soil once or twice each day for moisture loss. Regular watering early in the day is advised. Keep the soil moist but not soggy or drenched. You may have to water twice a day in summer months. 

TRANSPLANTING AND GROWTH:

When the seedlings start showing their true leaves and have 3-5 set of leaves, it is time to transplant. Fenugreek seedlings are sensitive to root disturbance, so be extra careful when transplanting the plant.  In order to reduce root disturbance, transplant your entire biodegradable kit to a larger pot or open space.

Your fenugreek plant can grow up to 6-8 inches tall.

FERTILIZER:

In order for plants to grow well, it’s important to provide the right nutrients. Every GIY kit contains organic micronutrients. Use them as per instructions. Apply the fertilizer directly to soil around plant root zone.

HARVESTING: 

In about 30 to 40 days, fenugreek shoots can be picked for use.  When harvesting, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the stems. Always snip off only one-third of the leaves from each plant, allowing the rest of the plant to continue growing. Harvest the fenugreek greens until the plants start growing flowers. As the plant starts flowering, fenugreek acquires a bitter taste.

Fenugreek plant flowering
Image Courtesty: TrekNature

SEED COLLECTION:

If you’ve enjoyed growing fenugreek greens at home and want to try your hand at harvesting the seeds, then cultivating fenugreek seeds is almost as easy as growing it.

For seed collection, let your plant go into the flowering stage, about 40-60 days after planting. Once the plant flowers, it will start producing long green pods, about 50-70 days after planting. 

Fenugreek plant growing pods
Image Courtesy: T-Online

Harvest the pods after the plant dries up and turns yellow.  Snap the pods off the stems and open the pods for yellow-brown fenugreek seeds. Regrow the seeds for more homegrown Fenugreek.

INSECTS AND DISEASES:

Leaf Miner and sucking insects can affect plant growth. The best way to control these pests is to remove them by hand. You can also use a mixture of Neem Oil (2-3 ml) and water (1 lit.) and spray the plant weekly to prevent them.

Root rot (Rhizoctonia solani) is a serious disease for fenugreek plant. Damping off, which refers to the rotting of stem and root tissues at an below the soil surface can also occur. Avoid overwatering and check the pot drainage. You can use the above mentioned mixture of Neem oil avoid diseases. 

NUTRITION VALUE:

Fenugreek is an excellent source of vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B6 and C, folic acid, iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium and potassium.