{"product_id":"gourd-bitter-melon","title":"GOURD-BITTER MELON","description":"\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow Bitter Melon\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003col\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBitter melon requires plenty of sunlight to grow properly. Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePrepare the soil so it is well-drained soil rich in organic matter.  Before planting, amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePlant the seeds 2-3 cm (0.8-1.2 inches) deep and spaced about 90-120 cm (35-47 inches) apart.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWater regularly to maintain consistent moisture to grow properly. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFertilise regularly as Bitter Melon is a heavy feeder and requires regular fertilisation to produce a healthy crop. Apply a balanced fertiliser every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eProvide support for your Bitter melon as it is a vine plant that requires support to grow properly. Install trellises or stakes to help the vines climb and stay off the ground.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eHarvest your Bitter Melon when the fruits are about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) long. Pick your melons before the skin turns yellow and the seeds start to harden.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHeritage of Bitter Melon\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBitter melon (Momordica charantia) is believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, but it has a long history of cultivation and consumption across various regions of Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean. It is considered an ancient crop that has been used for centuries for its culinary and medicinal properties.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBitter melon has deep cultural and culinary roots in traditional cuisines, particularly in Asian countries such as India, China, and Southeast Asian nations. It is a staple ingredient in many dishes, known for its distinct bitter taste and unique flavor. Bitter melon is also highly valued for its potential health benefits and has been used in traditional medicine systems for its medicinal properties.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs a result of its widespread cultivation and diverse culinary uses, bitter melon has developed various local and regional varieties and cultivars. These cultivars may have specific names and characteristics associated with the regions where they are grown, such as Bitter melon long and Japanese bitter melon, Chinese long, Indian, Thai. These varieties have their own unique traits and flavours, contributing to the rich heritage of bitter melon as a cherished vegetable in many cultures.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\n\u003ca href=\"http:\/\/abseeds.com.au\/\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSHOP Seeds\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e","brand":"Direct Compost Solutions","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55020592202100,"sku":"GDBM","price":3.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1006\/7171\/7748\/files\/GOURD_BITTER_MELON.jpg?v=1785570732","url":"https:\/\/directcompostsolutions.com\/products\/gourd-bitter-melon","provider":"DIRECT COMPOST SOLUTIONS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}