Bok choy is a fantastic vegetable to grow in your garden because it has a relatively short growing season. From the time you plant the seeds, it only takes about 45 days for the bok choy to reach maturity. This means that you can enjoy your delicious leafy greens in just over a month and a half!
One of the great things about bok choy is that it is a cool-season crop, meaning it thrives in cooler temperatures. It is best to plant bok choy in early spring or late summer when the weather is still mild. This ensures that the bok choy has enough time to grow before the hot weather sets in.
When planting bok choy, it’s important to remember that it prefers well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter. Prepare your soil by adding compost or aged manure to improve its fertility. Bok choy also requires full sun to partial shade, so choose a location in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
Once you have prepared the soil and chosen a suitable location, it’s time to sow the bok choy seeds. You can either start the seeds indoors and transplant them later or sow them directly into the ground. If you choose to start them indoors, make sure to do so about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date. Transplant the seedlings into your garden when they are about 3-4 inches tall and have a few leaves.
If you prefer to sow the seeds directly into the ground, make sure to space them about 6-12 inches apart. Plant the seeds about ¼ inch deep and cover them with soil. Water the seeds gently but thoroughly to ensure good germination.
As the bok choy begins to grow, it’s important to provide consistent moisture to the plants. They prefer evenly moist soil, so make sure to water them regularly, especially during dry spells. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
Bok choy is ready to harvest when it reaches a height of 12 to 18 inches. At this size, the leaves will be tender and flavorful. To harvest, simply cut the leaves at the base of the plant, leaving the root intact. You can harvest the entire plant or just pick off outer leaves as needed, allowing the inner leaves to continue growing.
It’s important to harvest bok choy before the hot weather sets in, as the heat can cause the plants to bolt and go to seed quickly. Once bok choy bolts, the leaves become bitter and tough, making them less enjoyable to eat. By harvesting before the hot weather arrives, you can ensure that you get the best flavor and texture from your bok choy.
Bok choy is a fast-growing vegetable that can be harvested in just 45 days. By planting it in early spring or late summer and providing the right growing conditions, you can enjoy fresh bok choy in a relatively short amount of time. Remember to harvest before the hot weather arrives to ensure the best quality and flavor. Happy gardening!
