Adopt Hydroponic Method and Increase Production of Pudina
Nursery Today
New Delhi: Pudina (spearmint), scientifically known as Mentha spicata is widely used in Indian and Italian cuisines. It is an aromatic herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). It is used to add flavours in your dish. Generally, this is grown in soil only. As hydroponic cultivation is getting popular for its convenient and better ways to produce plants in your home. Pudina can also be grown using this simple method at your home. Applying hydroponic method of farming also gives a distinctive aroma and sweet taste.
Hydroponic technique is less time consuming than traditional method of farming. Mint is one of the most recognized and popular hydroponic herbs. Appropriate light, nutrients, temperature and humidity are required for cultivating mint in hydroponic way
Follow the steps below to grow spearmint hydroponically.
Seeds of the mint can be sown for growing the plant but cuttings/clones or rootstock are usually better option for its plantation. For good treatment of mint, soak Rockwool and vermiculite in balanced water for 45 minutes. This will provide sufficient moisture for growth. In about 3 weeks germination can be seen. When the seeds begin to display their leaves, the plants can be transplanted into the hydroponic system.
Location
Hydroponic setup should be done in the south-facing window, this will give adequate lighting to the plant. Keep rotating the plant to ensure all sides receive sufficient light. About 12-16 hours of bright sunlight is needed for mint in a day.
Humidity
70-75% humidity should be maintained during the rooting phase and for growing from cuttings humidity should be around 85-90% until roots are established usually in 7 to 10 days.
Special Care
Vegetables grown with hydroponics technique require special care. For this, the fertilizer has to reach the roots of the plant through continuous arrangement of water, cleaning, temperature and water.
Production of pudina from hydroponic method is more productive than traditional method of using soil. Therefore, this will help to increase the income of the farmers as well as for home gardeners.
