Grow Your Tat Soi The Right Way
Updated on
November 8, 2023
Growing Tat Soi
Tat Soi is an Asian green with a sweet-spicy flavor and a pleasing texture. It is a popular choice in stir-fries, soups and salads, and it can also be steamed or stir-fried on its own. Growing Tat Soi is simple, rewarding, and fun. It thrives in cool climates and is harvested when the leaves are still young and tender. With its unique flavor and easy growth pattern, Tat Soi is an ideal plant to experiment with for the novice or experienced gardener.
Follow us to keep learning!
Cheatsheet: Grow Your Tat Soi The Right Way
✅ Choose the optimal location
Place your Tat Soi in a partially shaded area, getting at least 4-6 hours of sunlight per day for optimal growth.
⏰ Timing is key
Sow seeds in early spring or late summer to enjoy a bountiful harvest of Tat Soi.
💦 Maintain proper hydration
Keep the soil consistently moist, ensuring your Tat Soi gets around 1 inch of water per week.
🌱 Fertilize for success
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer when planting and provide periodic feedings throughout the growing season.
🌡️ Optimize temperature
Tat Soi thrives in cool temperatures between 45-75°F (7-24°C), making it an ideal choice for spring and fall gardens.
🌱 Practice crop rotation
Prevent diseases and pests by rotating Tat Soi to a new area of the garden each year.
💪 Boost your health
Tat Soi is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, calcium, iron, and antioxidants, supporting a healthy immune system and glowing skin.
🌿 Achieve self-sufficiency
By growing your own Tat Soi, you can enjoy fresh, nutritious greens right from your backyard, reducing reliance on store-bought produce.
Tat soi, also known as spinach mustard or spoon mustard, is a delicious leafy green that deserves a prominent spot in your garden.
1. Choosing the Right Spot
Tat soi prefers a partially shaded area, especially during hot summer months. Find a spot in your garden that receives a few hours of direct sunlight in the morning and then provides shade for the rest of the day.
2. Preparing the Soil
Before planting, ensure that the soil is well-draining and enriched with organic matter. Mix in compost or aged manure to boost the soil fertility. Tat soi enjoys a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, so check and adjust the soil pH if needed.
3. Sowing Tat Soi Seeds
Prepare the ground by raking it lightly to create a fine, crumbly texture. Directly sow the tat soi seeds about half an inch deep and space them 6 to 8 inches apart. After planting, gently water the seeds without creating too much soil disturbance.
4. Adequate Watering
Tat soi requires consistent moisture to thrive but be careful not to overwater. Keep the soil evenly moist, maintaining a regular watering schedule, especially during dry spells. Avoid leaf wetness by watering at the base of the plant to prevent diseases.
5. Thinning and Harvesting
As the tat soi seedlings emerge, thin them out to provide ample space for the remaining plants to grow. When the plants reach about 4-6 inches tall, start harvesting outer leaves by slicing them off at the base. This method allows the center of the plant to continue to produce new leaves.
6. Pests and Diseases
While Tat soi is generally resistant to pests and diseases, keep an eye out for flea beetles and slugs. Prevent flea beetles by using row covers or applying neem oil. For slugs, create barriers such as copper tape around your garden beds. Regularly inspect and remove any affected leaves to prevent the spread of diseases.
7. Nutrition and Culinary Delights
Tat soi not only offers a range of essential vitamins and minerals but also brings a delightful flavor to your table.Packed with vitamin C, A, and calcium, tat soi acts as a powerhouse of nutrients. Enjoy it raw in salads or lightly stir-fried with garlic and soy sauce for a healthy, flavorful side dish.
8. Succession Planting
Bear in mind that tat soi is a cool-season crop. To extend your harvest, consider succession planting every few weeks or planting in early spring and late summer for a continuous supply of fresh greens throughout the year.
9. Saving Seeds
If you're planning to save seeds from your tat soi plants, allow the plants to bolt and produce yellow flowers. Once the flowers dry out and turn into small seed pods, collect and store the seeds in a cool and dry place for future planting.
With these helpful tips, you're now equipped to grow your tat soi with confidence and enjoy the bountiful, nutritious greens straight from your garden. Happy gardening!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I grow Tat Soi?
Plant Tat Soi seeds in well-draining soil in a sunny location.
2. What is the ideal temperature for growing Tat Soi?
Tat Soi thrives in cool weather, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F.
3. How often should I water Tat Soi?
Water Tat Soi regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering.
4. When should I harvest Tat Soi?
Harvest Tat Soi leaves when they reach a desirable size, usually around 6-8 weeks after planting.
5. Can I grow Tat Soi in containers?
Absolutely! Tat Soi can be grown successfully in containers as long as they have sufficient depth and drainage.
6. Should I fertilize Tat Soi?
Apply a balanced organic fertilizer before planting and a light top-dressing during growth for optimal Tat Soi growth.
Growing Tat Soi is an excellent way to upgrade an outdoor garden or an indoor windowsill space. This dark green and savoy-leafed Asian green is incredibly hardy, tolerant of both heat and cold, and highly nutritious. It is also rich in antioxidants and vitamins, full of flavor and looks appealing! Growing Tat Soi is not only easy and efficient, but it also results in a delicious and healthy product.
