Types Of Vegetables To Grow At Home During COVID-19 Lockdown

As the Malaysian government has imposed a nationwide Movement Control Order (MCO) to stop the spread of COVID-19, we have plenty of time at home. In this trying time, it’s perfect to start your vegetable garden.

Since the MCO is enforced you can spend time growing the easiest tropical vegetables in Malaysia. You will be amazed at how much fun you and your family can have at home during this period of time.

The following vegetable seeds can be bought online and they are ready to harvest in about eight weeks. If you decide to grow a few seeds every other week, you can have a continuous supply of fresh produce from your garden. This is great as you will save time and money.

 The Easiest Tropical Vegetables To Grow From Seeds

1. Mint

It is a perennial with very fragrant, toothed leaves, and tiny purple, pink or white flowers. It has a fruity aromatic taste. Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow.

They grow in light soil with good drainage. Most will tolerate some shade. You can grow this herb in confined areas such as containers after you have noticed some growth. Next, you can start putting it outdoors. Don’t forget to water daily.

2. Rocket Lettuce

Rocket Lettuce, also known as Arugula, is a fast-growing vegetable that adds a tangy, mustard-like flavour to salads. Sow the seeds directly in well-drained soil and cut the leaves when they are ready to harvest. If you want a continuous harvest make sure to sow new seeds every 2 to 3 weeks.

3. Basil

If you love Italian dishes, you will need to grow this easy tropical herb as it is widely used in bruschetta, spaghetti bolognese and pesto. It is so delicious that you can just pluck and eat it straight away. Basil is considered the most perfect herb.

You can grow basil in containers as all it needs is well-drained soil and a sunny window. Basil is super sensitive to cold so it is the perfect herb to grow in tropical weather such as Malaysia. Don’t forget to water them twice daily.

4. Asian Greens

There are several varieties of Asian greens, including bok choy, yau choy and gai choy. You can buy these vegetable seeds online as an Asian green mix or you can buy them separately.

They are highly nutritious as they are packed with fibre, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. They are quick-growing vegetable seeds. They grow best in partial shades as they only need about 3 to 5 hours of sun each day. You will need well-draining soil with a lot of rich, organic matter mixed in.

Pick the leaves individually, or cut the entire plants, especially when they grow in a bunch, as with bok choy.

 5. Chilli

Chilli is one of the easiest vegetable seeds to grow in Malaysia and it is perfect as it is a common ingredient used in many dishes.

It is very easy to grow at home. You just need to put the seeds in a pot with soil. Don’t forget to water it once every day and it is a good idea to add fertilizers.

After a few weeks, you will enjoy the fresh chillies in your garden.

 6. Papaya

Papaya trees are easy to grow. All you need are papaya seeds that you can easily buy online and plant them into the soil. You need to water them daily. After just a couple of weeks, you will have small leaves and shoots.

They grow best in hot areas such as Malaysia. Plant the papaya seeds 1.5 metres between plants and 3 to 4 metres between rows. Remember, they need well-drained soil.

7. Cress

Cress is another popular choice to grow at home. It has a peppery flavour and it is a delicious year-round microgreen. Sow seeds directly outdoors and harvest as soon as leaves are about 2 inches in size. If you want a continuous harvest you can sow successfully each week.

Cress will germinate in about 14 days and it will quickly grow from seeds. It will be ready for harvest 15 to 20 days after sowing. It will sprout on water-soaked paper towels or cotton.

So here you go. The types of vegetables you can grow at home during Movement Control Order. Try it, you will love the experience. Want to try planting other vegetable seeds too? Take a look at our products and be spoiled for choices.

Happy planting!