Rooftop Bottle Gourd Cultivation

Rooftop Bottle Gourd Cultivation: Proper Methods and Success Guidelines

In the concrete jungle of cities, rooftop gardening has sparked hope for greenery. Bottle gourd, a popular winter vegetable, can also be grown year-round. Proper rooftop cultivation techniques ensure a good harvest. Let’s explore how to grow bottle gourd on your rooftop and ensure success.

Selecting the Right Soil

Bottle gourd grows in almost all types of soil. However, loamy or sandy-loam soil is best suited for rooftop gardening. If using sandy-loam soil, increase the amount of organic fertilizer.

Seed Sowing Time

For winter bottle gourd cultivation, seeds should be sown between September and October. For early harvests, seeds can be sown by mid-August.

Seed Preparation Process

1. Soak seeds in water for 8-12 hours before sowing.
2. Remove the seeds, dry them with a tissue, and let them air-dry.
3. Fill polybags with fertilized soil and plant two seeds in each bag.
4. Ensure the soil in the polybags does not dry out.

Seedling Preparation and Planting

Seedlings are ready for planting in pots or drums within 8-12 days after germination. Use half drums or equivalent-sized large containers. Drill 4-5 holes at the bottom of the drum for proper drainage.

Soil Preparation Process

1. Mix two parts loamy or sandy-loam soil, one part cow dung, 50 grams of TSP fertilizer, 50 grams of potash, and 250 grams of mustard cake.
2. Keep the soil moist for 10-12 days.
3. Once the soil becomes crumbly, transplant the seedlings.

Planting Rules

Gently press the soil around the seedling roots and water them adequately initially. Gradually increase the amount of water.

Care and Irrigation

Bottle gourd plants require plenty of water. Water the plants every morning and evening. Occasionally, use water left from washing fish or meat for better yield.

Weeding and Sunlight

1. Regularly remove weeds.
2. Ensure the plant gets sufficient sunlight.

Plant Growth and Fertilizer Application

1. Once the plant grows bigger, apply urea fertilizer slightly away from the base.
2. Dilute mustard cake water and apply it every 15-20 days.

Pest Control

Pests can reduce the yield of bottle gourd plants. Effective pest control methods include:

1. Sprinkling ash or using diazinon to control pests.
2. Using sex pheromone traps.
3. Setting up poison bait traps for pest control.

Read More: How to Cultivate Onions

Techniques to Increase Yield

1. Artificial pollination can boost yield by 30-35%.
2. Transfer pollen from male flowers to female flowers manually.

Trellis Setup and Increased Harvest

Setting up a trellis increases the yield of bottle gourds. It allows the plant to grow properly and produce more fruit.

Conclusion

By growing bottle gourds on your rooftop, you can enjoy fresh vegetables and even earn extra income if needed. With proper care, timely watering, and fertilization, your bottle gourd cultivation can be 100% successful.