David John Rondal, Agriculturist II of the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 1 discussed off-season vegetable production technology in a recorded video aired over the “Kapihan sa DMMMSU” last August 4, 2020.

              According to Mr. Rondal, off-season vegetable production technology is the application of practical knowledge in growing vegetable crops that are not in season (from the month of June to November in the Philippines). 

He discussed in detail various production practices such as: site selection, crop and variety selection, seed sowing, land preparation, mulching, transplanting, trellising, fertilization, pest management, harvesting, and record-keeping.

              Mr. Rondal stressed the importance of selecting the right variety of seeds and seedlings and planting in sandy to sandy loam soil. “Availability of water is the primary factor to be considered in off-season vegetable production”, he said. 

“The use of high quality seeds will not only ensure high uniformity and germination, but the adaptability to endure adverse weather conditions as well,” he added.  Rondal said that direct seeding does not apply to small-seeded vegetables such as eggplant, tomato and pechay. Seedlings should be grown first in potted soil then transferred to the seed bed for production.  For seedling production, the ideal soil medium consists of the one part vermicompost, one part garden soil, and one part carbonized rice hull. 

              Rondal also gave specific instructions on how to plant various kinds of vegetables to ensure maximum production.  He said that all crops can be affected by pests and diseases usually at seedling or early vegetative stage; hence, proper pest management should be applied. 

Further, to facilitate irrigation, the use of raised beds with canals in between to drain excess water is recommended.  Rondal further gave some helpful tips on observing proper distancing of seedlings, use of mulching technology, crop rotation, and other technology.

Vegetable production is a relevant as more families are growing their own vegetables in their backyard and vegetable production is being espoused by the provincial and city government in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information about off-season vegetable production technology, watch the  Kapihan sa DMMMSU FB (https://tinyurl.com/DAROIKapihan) Live post at the DOUS FB page dated August 4, 2020.