This method is now becoming popular with most vegetable growers around the country. A significant advantage of this system is that such crop is not unnecessarily exposed to the vagaries of nature, frost and various diseases and insect pests. Transplanted crops bear early since the seedlings are already well developed at the planting time. Extra care should, however, be taken not to disturb the delicate root system of wine crops while transplanting otherwise the transplants would fail to establish. Since the nursery area is compact, the grower spends less time, energy and revenue inspecting/maintaining the crop. Since most cucurbitaciaous seeds have sweet kernel, this being a favorite food of ants, white-ants and rodents like field rats, mice, squirrels etc. and some birds is quietly removed, leaving the field with low crop density and smaller harvest to the grower. Raising nursery thus has a definite advantage. |
Select a proper site for the nursery as described under ‘Raising of seedlings and nursery care’. Use 40-50 micron, 10-12 centimeter long and 7-8 centimeter wide polyethylene bags for sowing. Using same soil mix as stated for Cole crops and fruit vegetable, Fill the bags leaving 1.0 centimeter on top. Since cucurbits do not survive under excess water, ensure that the polyethylene bags are punctured or cut at places with a fine blade to drain. Cluster the bags in rows with wooden batons or split bamboo around them ensuring that these do not fall-over lest contents spill during watering and covering operation. It is absolutely necessary to cover the seeding bags with low poly-tunnels or thatch covering or sow in poly-house during the winter months. This would maintain practically even temperature for germination. |
