Pac Choi, also known as bok choy or Chinese cabbage, is a leafy green vegetable that is commonly used in Asian cuisine. It has crisp white stems and dark green leaves with a slightly bitter flavour. Pac Choi is low in calories and high in nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and potassium. It is often stir-fried, steamed, or used in soups and stews. Pac Choi is relatively easy to grow and can be grown in the ground or in containers. It prefers well-draining soil and regular watering, and can be harvested when the leaves and stems are mature but still tender.
How to Grow Pac Choi Organically
- Choose a planting site: Pac choi prefers partial shade but can also grow in full sun. It needs well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Plant the seeds or transplants: Pac choi can be grown from seeds or transplants. Plant the seeds or transplants about 10-12 inches apart in rows that are 18-24 inches apart.
- Water the plants: Pac choi prefers to be kept moist, so water deeply once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions.
- Fertilize the plants: Pac choi will benefit from a light application of balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, once or twice during the growing season.
- Thin the plants: Once the pac choi plants have grown to a height of about 4 inches, thin them to about 6 inches apart. This will give the plants enough room to grow and develop properly.
- Harvest the pac choi: Pac choi can be harvested at any time once the leaves have reached a size of about 4-6 inches. Cut the leaves off at the base of the plant, leaving the plant intact so that it can continue to grow new leaves.
With these simple steps, you can grow your own nutritious pac choi and enjoy its tender leaves in stir-fries, soups, and salads.
