•Bitter Melon (Ampalaya): Soil Preparation: Bitter melon prefers well-draining soil. Prepare a garden bed with well-composted organic matter. Planting: Soak seeds overnight to encourage germination. Sow seeds about ½ to 1 inch deep, spaced 12-18 inches apart. Bitter melon is a vine, so ensure you provide support like a trellis. Care: They require full sun and regular watering. Fertilize with a balanced vegetable fertilizer as needed.
•Eggplant (Talong): Soil Preparation: Eggplants prefer slightly acidic, well-draining soil enriched with compost or well-decomposed manure. Planting: Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last expected frost. Once the seedlings have 1-2 true leaves and the danger of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors, spacing them 18-24 inches apart. Care: They prefer full sun and need consistent moisture. Mulching helps retain soil moisture.
•Okra: Soil Preparation: Okra thrives in well-draining soil that's enriched with compost. Planting: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost, about ½ to 1 inch deep and 12-18 inches apart. Care: Ensure they get full sun and regular watering. Okra plants are fairly drought-tolerant once established.
•String Beans (Sitaw): Soil Preparation: Beans prefer well-draining soil with a neutral ph. Enrich with compost before planting. Planting: Sow seeds directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Plant seeds 1-1.5 inches deep and 2-4 inches apart. Care: Provide full sun and water moderately. Pole beans will require a trellis for support.
•Squash (Kalabasa): Soil Preparation: Squash plants love rich, well-draining soil. Amend the soil with plenty of compost or rotted manure. Planting: Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost. Plant 3-4 seeds about an inch deep in hills spaced about 3-4 feet apart. Care: They need full sun and regular watering. Be careful not to wet the leaves, as this can lead to fungal diseases.