How to Plant Moong Beans in a Pot | Growing Mung Beans

Here is a complete guide on How to Plant Moong Beans in a Pot to help you learn growing Green Gram to enjoy its fresh harvest year-round!

Green gram is one of the most nutritious lentils you can include in your diet. The best part is, it is easy to grow so you can enjoy a homegrown harvest too! Let’s have a look at How to Plant Moong Beans in a Pot.

Botanical Name: Vigna radiata

Other Popular Names: Green gram, Mug, Golden gram, Jerusalem pea, Monggo, Munggo Celera bean, Mungbean, Mungbohne, Look dou, Oorud

Learn how to grow cucumbers in a pot here

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What are Moong Beans?

Belonging to the legume family, the moong beans are a rich source of protein and consumed fresh, canned, and sprouted. These can be grown indoors, and outdoor both, provided with ample sunlight.

According to a study at the College of Food Science and Nutritional Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing, the beans are an excellent source of protein, dietary fiber, minerals, vitamins, and significant amounts of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, and peptides, therefore, becoming a popular functional food in promoting good health.

Have a look at the best types of beans you can grow in India here

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Choosing a Pot for Moong Beans

The roots of moong beans require plenty of room to thrive, so a 6-8 inches pot will be more than enough. Go for terracotta and ceramic as they are breathable, allowing for good air circulation. Also, the container should have ample drainage holes at the bottom to let the excess water out.

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How to Grow Moong Beans

Moong beans respond well to the warmer temperature of India and early summer is the best time to grow them.

From Seeds

1. Soak the seeds overnight for accelerating the germination process.
2. Take a seedling tray or the pot filled with a seed starting mix.
3. Sow the seeds one or half inches deeper in the soil, and secure them well.
4. Mist the soil evenly, and keep the pot in bright, indirect light.
5. Mist the plant periodically if the soil looks dry.
6. The seeds will sprout within 7-10 days.

Note: You can also purchase a well-grown plant from a nursery.

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Growing Requirements for Moong Beans

Location

Moong beans respond well to bright sun. Therefore, place the pot where it can avail 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you are growing them indoors. then make sure to keep the pot at a south or west-facing window.

Soil

A well-draining, loamy to sandy soil, amended with organic matter, with a pH of 6-7, is best for the plant. You can also go with a potting mix, specially designed for vegetable propagation.

Water

With moong beans, you have to make sure that you are never letting the soil dry out completely. Water the plant when the topsoil feels a bit dry to touch. Also, avoid spilling water on the foliage.

Climate

Moong beans plant responds well to the hot and dry environment of India and does best between 22-30 C.

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Care for Moong Beans Plant

Fertilizer

The legume plants work as a nitrogen fixator in the soil, hence they do not need nitrogen-based fertilizer. To promote blooming, use a 5-10-10 fertilizer, once in two weeks during the growing phase. Refer to the label for instructions.

You can also use organic fertilizer like compost or well-rotted cow dung manure to boost growth.

Support

Though it is wise to grow an upright variety but if you have cultivated a vine, then consider giving it some support of trellis or stakes.

Pests and Diseases

Moong beans are susceptible to grasshoppers, and aphids. Use insecticidal spray or apply neem oil solution over the affected area. Avoid wetting the foliage while watering as it can give rise to fungal issues.

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Harvesting and Storage

The plant usually takes 80-110 days from the date of sowing to be ready for harvest. The pods mature at different times.

To harvest, simply take out the whole plant from the soil, and hang it upside down at any shady place for a few days. Then, air-dry the beans by spreading them on tissue paper. Once all the beans are completely dried, you can store them in airtight containers.

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How to Sprout Moong Beans for Eating

Put one cup of beans in a bowl and pour two cups of water. Wrap them in a wet cotton cloth overnight and you will see them sprout the next day. Some beans type may take longer to sprout.