Plant seeds in June for optimal growth
Growing a Second Crop of Pak Choi and Poached Egg Plant in June
With the vegetable garden moving into summer, it's the perfect time to consider sowing a second round of pak choi (bok choy) and poached egg plant. Here's a guide on how to do just that.
Pak Choi (Bok Choy)
Sowing time for pak choi is flexible, making it an ideal candidate for multiple crops throughout the growing season. Early spring and fall are peak seasons, but midsummer sowing is also possible for a quick harvest, especially with fast-growing baby or mini varieties.
To grow pak choi, sow seeds directly in well-drained, fertile soil with good organic matter. Choose a partly sunny to sunny spot and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Sow seeds thinly and thin seedlings to about 6-8 inches apart for standard varieties or closer for baby bok choy to encourage tender growth.
Succession planting, sowing seeds every 2-3 weeks from early spring through summer, ensures continual harvesting. Regular watering and pest control are essential, and mulching around plants can help retain moisture and keep roots cool during summer.
Poached Egg Plant (Tropaeolum tuberosum)
Although specific growing instructions for poached egg plant may not be readily available, general care involves planting tubers or seeds in well-drained soil after the last frost date, in a sunny or partly shaded position. For a second sowing in June, ensure soil temperature is warm enough (above 50–60°F/10–15°C). You can plant tubers directly or sow seeds in pots to transplant after germination.
Poached egg plant serves as a ground cover plant and is full of nectar, attracting pollinating insects. It's often sown in the vegetable garden to attract bees and potentially boost crop pollination. However, detailed seasonal guidance may depend on local climate, so consulting local gardening guides or seed suppliers is advisable for exact second sowing timing and care.
In Summary
For pak choi, sow seeds spaced adequately in fertile soil for a second round in June, with regular watering and pest control. Succession sowing every few weeks helps maintain continual crops.
For poached egg plant, ensure soil warmth and moisture; plant tubers or seed in June for a second crop, considering it may require some support and consistent watering. However, specific seasonal guidance may depend on local climate.
June is the month to pull out seed trays again for sowing, and it's also the time to consider a second round of sowing seeds for continued harvesting into autumn and beyond. Other plants to consider this month include night-scented stock, which attracts moths with its fragrant lavender-blue flowers. Peasticks can be used to support night-scented stock seedlings as they grow.
Tender baby broad beans and buttery new potatoes are being harvested this month, making for delicious additions to summer meals. Happy gardening!
- With June arrives the opportunity for a second round of sowing pak choi and poached egg plant, extending the home-and-garden season.
- Home gardeners can look forward to continual pak choi crops by sowing seeds every few weeks in June, enhancing their lifestyle with fresh vegetables.
