Planting Guides

1. Prepare the Bottle
> Cut the top portion of the bottle off (around ⅓ from the top).
> Invert the cut-off top and place it inside the bottom half — this creates a funnel-like holder.
2. Add Water
> Fill the bottom half with clean water, about halfway.
> Ensure the inverted top doesn’t touch the water directly but allows garlic roots to reach it.
3. Prepare Garlic Cloves
> Separate cloves from a garlic bulb.
> Peel off the papery skin but keep the inner layer intact.
> Choose larger, healthy cloves for better growth.
4. Place the Cloves
Position cloves (pointed side up) in the inverted top of the bottle.
> The base of the cloves should be just above the water surface — roots will grow downward into the water.
5. Provide Light & Care
> Place the bottle near a sunny window or under grow lights.
> Change the water every 2–3 days to prevent stagnation.
> Watch for roots forming within a week and green shoots emerging soon after.
6. Transplant (Optional)
> Once shoots are 3–4 inches tall, you can transplant the garlic into soil for full bulb development.
> If kept in water, you’ll mostly harvest garlic greens (like scallions).

1. Choose healthy branch (pencil-thick)
2. Remove leaves, make 1-2 cm ring cut (remove bark)
3. Apply rooting hormone (optional)
4. Wrap with moist sphagnum moss or coconut coir (bunot), cover with plastic
5. Secure with twine, keep moss moist
6. Roots develop in 6-8 weeks, cut below roots, pot

Step 1: Prepare seed trays with moist, well-draining seed-starting mix.
Step 2: Plant seeds 0.5–1 cm (¼ inch) deep and lightly cover with soil.
Step 3: Keep soil moist and place trays in a warm area (18–30°C / 65–86°F).
Step 4: Provide 12–16 hours of light daily after seedlings sprout.
Step 5: Harden off seedlings 7–10 days before transplanting outdoors.
Step 6: Transplant after frost into full sun (6–8+ hours daily).
Step 7: Space plants 30–45 cm (12–18 inches) apart in well-draining soil.
Step 8: Water deeply 1–2 times per week.
Step 9: Fertilize moderately; reduce nitrogen once flowering begins.
Step 10: Harvest when peppers reach full size and desired color.

Prepare Seedlings
Plant squash seeds first (rootstock).
Plant ampalaya seeds 3–5 days later.
Choose Same Stem Size
Both plants should have similar stem thickness.
Cutting
Cut squash stem diagonally (keep roots).
Cut ampalaya seedling base diagonally.
Joining
Attach ampalaya stem onto squash stem.
Secure using grafting clip or plastic tape.
Healing
Place in shaded, humid area for 5–7 days.
Avoid direct sunlight.
Transplanting
Once graft heals, plant in field.

Step 1: Collect Soil Samples
• Take soil from 10–15 cm (4–6 inches) deep.
• Collect samples separately from red, loam, sandy, and rocky soil areas.

Step 2: Texture (Hand Test)
1. Wet a small amount of soil.
2. Squeeze it in your hand.
Results:
• Falls apart quickly → Sandy soil
• Holds shape but breaks easily → Loam soil (Best)
• Sticky and hard when dry → Red/clay soil
• Contains many stones → Rocky soil

Step 3: Drainage Test
1. Dig a small hole (30 cm deep).
2. Fill with water and let it drain.
3. Fill again and observe.
Results:
• Drains in 1–3 hours → Good (Best for beans)
• Drains too fast → Sandy (needs organic matter)
• Takes more than 4 hours → Poor drainage (not ideal)

Step 4: pH Test
• Use a soil pH test kit.
• String beans grow best in pH 6.0–7.0.

Step 1:
Choose loamy soil with good drainage.
Step 2:
Clear weeds, rocks, and debris.
Step 3:
Mix compost or well-rotted manure into soil.
Step 4:
Make rows 45–60 cm (18–24 inches) apart.
Step 5:
Plant seeds 2–3 cm (1 inch) deep.
Step 6:
Space seeds 7–10 cm (3–4 inches) apart.
Step 7:
Water lightly after planting.
Step 8:
Provide support if growing pole beans.
Step 9:
Water regularly but avoid waterlogging

• Spray for Healthy Leaves: Use foliar fertilizer or organic sprays (like seaweed extract or compost tea) every 7–10 days to prevent yellowing leaves.
• Cellophane Wrapping: Wrap developing fruits with cellophane to protect them from fruit flies and pests, ensuring clean, market-quality harvests.
• Harvesting: Pick fruits while they are still green and firm, before they turn yellow or overripe, for best taste and texture.

Same Soil, Different Seeds Procedure
(Kangkong, Okra, String Beans)
Step 1: Soil Preparation
Use loam soil (best for vegetables).
Mix soil with compost or organic fertilizer.
Make planting beds or containers with drainage.
🥬 Kangkong Planting Procedure
Sow seeds directly on moist soil.
Space seeds about 5–10 cm apart.
Water daily.
Thin seedlings after sprouting.
Harvest after 25–30 days by cutting stems.
🌿 Okra Planting Procedure
Soak seeds in water for 12–24 hours.
Plant seeds 2–3 cm deep.
Spacing: 30–45 cm apart.
Water regularly.
Harvest pods 45–60 days after planting.
🌱 String Beans Planting Procedure
Plant seeds directly in soil.
Depth: 2–3 cm.
Spacing: 15–20 cm apart.
Provide trellis or support.
Water regularly.
Harvest after 45–55 days.

1. Choosing the Variety
• Select varieties suited to your climate (e.g., Solo, Red Lady, Sinta).
• Hybrid varieties often produce higher yields and better fruit quality.
2. Site Selection
• Papaya thrives in warm, tropical climates with full sun.
• Avoid areas prone to waterlogging; papaya roots are sensitive to standing water.
3. Soil Preparation
• Ideal soil: well-drained sandy loam with pH 6.0–6.5.
• Enrich with organic matter (compost or manure).
• Raised beds or mounds help prevent root rot.
4. Seed Preparation & Germination
• Use fresh, viable seeds from ripe papaya fruit.
• Wash seeds to remove pulp, then dry for 1–2 days.
• Germinate in seed trays or polybags with light soil mix.
• Germination takes 2–3 weeks.
5. Transplanting Seedlings
• Transplant when seedlings are 6–8 inches tall (about 6–8 weeks old).
• Spacing: 2–3 meters apart for home gardens; 2.5–3 meters for commercial planting.
• Plant 2–3 seedlings per hole, then thin to the healthiest one later.
6. Watering & Fertilization
• Water regularly, especially during dry periods, but avoid overwatering.
• Apply balanced fertilizer (NPK) every 2–3 months.
• Supplement with organic compost for better soil health.
7. Maintenance
• Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Prune damaged or diseased leaves.
• Monitor for pests like aphids, fruit flies, and diseases such as powdery mildew.
8. Flowering & Fruiting
• Papaya plants start flowering within 4–6 months.
• Fruits mature in 6–9 months after planting.
• Harvest when fruits turn yellowish at the base.

1. Seed/Seedling Selection
Use healthy durian seedlings or grafted plants (recommended for faster fruiting).
Choose disease-free plants with strong stems.
2. Site Preparation
Select a sunny area with good drainage.
Clear weeds and grasses.
3. Hole Preparation
Dig a hole about 60 cm × 60 cm × 60 cm.
Mix topsoil with compost or organic fertilizer.
4. Planting
Remove plastic bag carefully (if seedling).
Place seedling upright in the hole.
Fill soil gently and press lightly.
5. Watering
Water immediately after planting.
Keep soil moist but not flooded.
6. Maintenance
Apply mulch around plant.
Water regularly during dry season.
Fertilize every 3–4 months.

1. After roots develop (6-8 weeks)
2. Cut branch below rooted area
3. Remove plastic and moss
4. Plant in pot with loam soil (well-draining)
5. Water gently, keep soil moist
6. Provide partial shade (1-2 weeks)
7. Gradually expose to full sun

Step 1: Site Selection
Choose a sunny area with well-drained loam or sandy loam soil.
Step 2: Hole Preparation
Dig 50x50 cm holes and mix compost.
Step 3: Planting
Plant grafted mango seedlings.
Step 4: Watering
Water weekly during dry season.
Step 5: Fertilization
Apply fertilizer 2–3 times per year.
Step 6: Maintenance
Prune branches and monitor pests.
Step 7: Fruiting
Fruiting starts 3–5 years after planting.

Step 1: Site Selection
Choose a sunny location with well-drained loam or sandy soil.
Step 2: Soil Preparation
Loosen soil and prepare raised beds. Mix compost before planting.
Step 3: Seed Preparation
Soak seeds in water overnight to improve germination.
Step 4: Planting
Sow seeds directly 2–3 cm deep with 30 cm spacing between plants.
Step 5: Watering
Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.
Step 6: Fertilization
Apply fertilizer 2–3 weeks after planting.
Step 7: Maintenance
Control weeds and monitor pests.
Step 8: Harvesting
Harvest young pods 45–60 days after planting.

Step 1: Site Selection
Choose a sunny location with well-drained loam or sandy soil.
Step 2: Soil Preparation
Loosen soil and prepare raised beds. Mix compost before planting.
Step 3: Seed Preparation
Soak seeds in water overnight to improve germination.
Step 4: Planting
Sow seeds directly 2–3 cm deep with 30 cm spacing between plants.
Step 5: Watering
Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.
Step 6: Fertilization
Apply fertilizer 2–3 weeks after planting.
Step 7: Maintenance
Control weeds and monitor pests.
Step 8: Harvesting
Harvest young pods 45–60 days after planting.

Step 1: Site Selection
Choose a sunny location with well-drained loam or sandy soil.
Step 2: Soil Preparation
Loosen soil and prepare raised beds. Mix compost before planting.
Step 3: Seed Preparation
Soak seeds in water overnight to improve germination.
Step 4: Planting
Sow seeds directly 2–3 cm deep with 30 cm spacing between plants.
Step 5: Watering
Water regularly but avoid waterlogging.
Step 6: Fertilization
Apply fertilizer 2–3 weeks after planting.
Step 7: Maintenance
Control weeds and monitor pests.
Step 8: Harvesting
Harvest young pods 45–60 days after planting.

Step 1: Site Selection
Choose sandy loam soil free from stones.
Step 2: Soil Preparation
Loosen soil deeply (20–30 cm).
Step 3: Planting
Sow seeds thinly in rows.
Step 4: Watering
Keep soil moist.
Step 5: Thinning
Thin seedlings after germination.
Step 6: Maintenance
Remove weeds carefully.
Step 7: Harvesting
Harvest 70–90 days after planting.

Step 1: Site Selection
Choose moist soil area or near water source.
Step 2: Soil Preparation
Loosen soil and add compost.
Step 3: Planting
Sow seeds directly 10–15 cm apart.
Step 4: Watering
Water daily to maintain moisture.
Step 5: Fertilization
Apply light fertilizer if needed.
Step 6: Harvesting
Harvest after 25–30 days.

Step 1: Site Selection
Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained loam soil (pH 6.0–6.8).

Step 2: Nursery Preparation
Sow seeds in seed trays with fine soil. Keep soil moist until germination.

Step 3: Transplanting
Transplant seedlings after 3–4 weeks when they have 4–5 true leaves. Maintain 40–50 cm spacing.

Step 4: Water Management
Water moderately. Avoid excessive watering to prevent root diseases.

Step 5: Fertilization
Apply fertilizer during vegetative growth and flowering stages.

Step 6: Pest and Disease Management
Monitor regularly for aphids, mites, and fungal infections.

Step 7: Harvesting
Harvest mature green or red fruits 75–90 days after transplanting.

Step 1: Site Selection
Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained loam soil (pH 6.0–6.8).

Step 2: Nursery Preparation
Sow seeds in seed trays with fine soil. Keep soil moist until germination.

Step 3: Transplanting
Transplant seedlings after 3–4 weeks when they have 4–5 true leaves. Maintain 40–50 cm spacing.

Step 4: Water Management
Water moderately. Avoid excessive watering to prevent root diseases.

Step 5: Fertilization
Apply fertilizer during vegetative growth and flowering stages.

Step 6: Pest and Disease Management
Monitor regularly for aphids, mites, and fungal infections.

Step 7: Harvesting
Harvest mature green or red fruits 75–90 days after transplanting.

Step 1: Site Selection
Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained loam soil (pH 6.0–6.8).

Step 2: Nursery Preparation
Sow seeds in seed trays with fine soil. Keep soil moist until germination.

Step 3: Transplanting
Transplant seedlings after 3–4 weeks when they have 4–5 true leaves. Maintain 40–50 cm spacing.

Step 4: Water Management
Water moderately. Avoid excessive watering to prevent root diseases.

Step 5: Fertilization
Apply fertilizer during vegetative growth and flowering stages.
Step 6: Pest and Disease Management
Monitor regularly for aphids, mites, and fungal infections.

Step 7: Harvesting
Harvest mature green or red fruits 75–90 days after transplanting.

Step 1: Site Selection
Choose sandy loam or loose loam soil free from stones and hard clods. Avoid clay and rocky soil as they cause deformed roots.

Step 2: Soil Preparation
Loosen soil deeply (20–30 cm) to allow straight root growth. Mix compost thoroughly.

Step 3: Seed Selection
Use fresh, high-quality carrot seeds for uniform germination.

Step 4: Planting
Sow seeds thinly in shallow rows. Cover lightly with fine soil.

Step 5: Water Management
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Step 6: Thinning
Thin seedlings after germination to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper root size.

Step 7: Maintenance
Remove weeds carefully to avoid disturbing roots.

Step 8: Harvesting
Harvest 70–90 days after planting when roots reach desired size.

🌱 Onion (Bulb Onion) Planting Procedures with Step-by-Step Guide and Ideal Season

Onion production requires proper planning, correct timing, and systematic crop management to ensure high yield and good bulb quality. In tropical countries like the Philippines, onions grow best during the dry season because excessive rainfall can cause bulb rot and fungal diseases.

🌤️ Ideal Season for Planting

The ideal planting season for bulb onions is during the dry season, typically from October to January. Transplanting is commonly done from November to December, and harvesting usually occurs from February to April. Onions prefer a cool climate during early growth (20–25°C) and dry conditions during bulb formation and harvesting. Planting during the rainy season is not recommended due to high humidity and increased risk of diseases.

🌱 Step-by-Step Onion Planting Procedure
Step 1: Site Selection

Choose a well-drained area that receives full sunlight (6–8 hours daily). Avoid areas prone to flooding. Sandy loam soil with a pH level of 6.0–6.8 is ideal for onion production.

Step 2: Land and Soil Preparation

Plow the land two to three times to loosen the soil. Remove weeds, stones, and debris. Prepare raised beds about 15–20 cm high to improve drainage. Incorporate compost or well-decomposed manure to enrich soil fertility.

Step 3: Seed Selection

Select high-quality, certified onion seeds suitable for the local climate. Good seeds ensure better germination and uniform growth.

Step 4: Nursery Preparation and Sowing

Prepare a seedbed about 1 meter wide. Sow the seeds thinly in rows spaced 10–15 cm apart. Cover lightly with fine soil and water gently. Maintain moist soil but avoid overwatering. Seedlings are ready for transplanting after 25–35 days when they have 3–4 leaves.

Step 5: Transplanting

Carefully uproot healthy seedlings and transplant them into prepared beds. Maintain proper spacing of 10–15 cm between plants and 20–25 cm between rows. Plant shallowly, just enough to cover the roots. Water immediately after transplanting to help seedlings establish.

Step 6: Water Management

Water regularly during the early growth stage to keep the soil moist. Reduce watering when bulbs begin forming. Stop watering completely 1–2 weeks before harvest to improve bulb quality and storage life.

Step 7: Fertilization

Apply basal fertilizer before transplanting if needed. Nitrogen fertilizer should be applied in split doses—first two weeks after transplanting and again during bulb development. Avoid excessive fertilization to prevent poor bulb formation.

Step 8: Weed, Pest, and Disease Control

Remove weeds regularly to reduce competition for nutrients. Monitor for pests such as onion thrips and cutworms. Watch for diseases like purple blotch and downy mildew. Use proper spacing, crop rotation, and recommended organic or chemical control measures when necessary.

Step 9: Monitoring and Maintenance

Observe plant growth regularly. Healthy plants should have upright green leaves. Adjust watering and fertilization based on crop condition.

Step 10: Harvesting

Harvest onions when 70–80% of the tops fall over and leaves turn yellow. Carefully pull the bulbs from the soil to avoid bruising.

Step 11: Curing and Storage

Dry harvested bulbs under shade for 7–14 days. After curing, trim the roots and leaves. Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place to maintain quality and extend shelf life.