One round of pak choi, autumn, balcony or open bed

One of the quickest greens: direct-sown in autumn, ready in 25–35 days. Three things matter — thin early, water evenly, feed lightly.

From sowing to harvest you only act 3–4 times. Put those dates on the calendar and the rest is waiting.

Sowing: direct, no nursery

• Drills or broadcast both work; cover thinly (0.5–1 cm) and water through once.
• Autumn germination is fast — seedlings in 3–5 days. Keep the surface moist until then.
• In containers: at least 15 cm deep with open drainage, and do not sow too densely.

Thinning: the step people skip

• Thin the first time at two true leaves — remove crowded and weak seedlings.
• Final spacing 3–5 cm (8–10 cm for large varieties).
• Eat the thinnings; water lightly after thinning to settle the roots.

Water and feed: steady, not strong

• Wet–dry cycle: water through when the surface pales, not a daily sprinkle.
• One light nitrogen-leaning feed after thinning; rinse with a little clear water.
• Drain well in long rain; never water with cold water at midday in heat.

Harvest

• Autumn sowings are pickable from about 25–35 days; up to ~40 days for larger heads.
• Pick outer leaves and let the heart keep growing, or pull whole plants.
• No need to save seed — successive sowings are a better deal for greens.

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