| Bitter melon grows best in full sunshine, in rich, well draining soil. Here's how: Germinate the seeds by soaking them in water for 24 to 48 hours or until they swell up. Peel off the outer coating with a sharp paring knife and plant the seed about 3/4 of an inch deep into moist potting soil. Keep the soil most until a green shoot or cotelydon pops through the soil, which should take about five to seven days Prepare a garden site that has good rich soil with lots of compost worked into it. Bitter melons can be a host to fungal diseases, so it helps to keep the ground surface dry. Form a mound of soil about 2 feet high and tamp it down well. This will ensure good drainage. Place a strong trellis or support system into the ground that will allow the bitter melon to grow about 6 feet high. Transplant the plant once it has grown at least two real leaves and when the temperature outside has reached an average of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not disturb the soil around the roots when transplanting it, if at all possible. Place the plant into a hole the same size as the dirt ball. Gently pat the plant into the soil. Water the bitter melon vine in the mornings until the vine gets established. This will allow the heat of the day to dry the soil after watering. Another technique used in growing gourds and cucumbers is to place straw or hay around the base of the plant. This will help retain moisture in the soil without the vine resting in damp conditions. Train the vine to grow up your support system, using cotton string or plant ties if necessary. The fruits will grow straight if they are hanging as opposed to laying on the ground. Typically the growing time for melons is 80 days, but it may vary for your area and growing conditions. Read more: How to Grow Bitter Melon | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_477795... |
