How To Grow
What are we growing?
You will need:
Lagikway
Lagikway, known by various regional names such as “Nating Saluyot” or “Gikway”, is often mistaken for Saluyot due to its slimy consistency. It can be found in places such as the backyard or along roadsides.
Rich in iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, it also contains more protein than leafy vegetables like cabbage and lettuce, with soft, digestible leaves suitable for infants (Algar et al., 2017; WHO).
To properly store in the refrigerator, wrap it in paper towels and/or paper bag to absorb moisture. This keeps its shelf life lasting up to two weeks.
Instructions:
- Prepare a pot or recycled container with loamy, garden soil with compost and your Lagikway stem cuttings.
- Grow for 3-4 weeks so they can grow roots before transferring to a larger container or garden.
- Prepare your new container with loamy, garden soil with compost or garden soil with a 12-15 cm deep hole before replanting.
- Carefully start to take out the grown cuttings and transfer them to the new container or soil, then cover the hole with more of the soil mixture. Water the plant immediately after replanting.
- Adequately water your plant, more frequently in the hot season, while providing partial shade, but avoid overwatering.
- Use organic fertilizers like compost and fermented plant juice to promote its growth.
- Around 3 months after planting, your Lagikway is ready to be harvested monthly for up to a year.
Kulitis
Kulitis is a leafy vegetable found throughout the Philippines. They have different variations and colors, such as dark green, light green, and red. They can be commonly seen by riverbanks, gardens, and backyards.
Low in calories and nutrient-dense, it contains vitamins A, B6, C, K, riboflavin, folate, and minerals like calcium and iron, supporting anemia, immunity, and bone health (Olusanya et al., 2021), and is recognized by the National Nutritional Council as a sustainable Filipino “superfood.”
To properly store in the refrigerator, wrap it in paper towels and/or paper bag to absorb moisture. This keeps its shelf life lasting up to two weeks.
Instructions:
- Prepare your pot or recycled container that has any leafy plant, filled with a mix of loamy soil and compost, and your Kulitis seeds. This is because kulitis is a weedy type and grows faster beside another plant.
- Evenly spread the seeds in the soil. Then, immediately water your seeds after planting. Make sure your pot drains water properly.
- Regularly water your Kulitis plant.
- After 20-45 days, you can now harvest your Kulitis.
Talinum
Talinum, commonly known as Philippine spinach, is a resilient, fast-growing succulent herb often found in backyards and gardens across the Philippines. The leaf texture is a little moist, like human skin that’s soft and a little damp. The most notable element of the plant is the eye-catching five-petal pink flowers.
High in antioxidants, talinum contains calcium, phosphorus, and iron, along with vitamins A and C, supporting bone health, anemia prevention, eye health, and reduced disease risk (Manikandan, 2022).
To properly store in the refrigerator, wrap it in paper towels and/or paper bag to absorb moisture. This keeps its shelf life lasting up to two weeks.
Instructions:
- Prepare a pot or recycled container with loamy, garden soil with compost and your Talinum seeds or stem cuttings.
- Scatter a small amount of seed on the surface of the soil and gently press down. If using stem cuttings, cut all the leaves off to reduce water loss and insert them into the soil.
- Place the pot or container in a sunny spot or warm location indoors or outdoors.
- Keep the soil moist by watering from the bottom regularly. This is done by placing the container inside a container filled with water, waiting for the soil to absorb the water.
- Avoid overwatering, as the roots would rot. Make sure your pot drains water properly.
- After 60 days, you may start harvesting the leaves.
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