Fenugreek is used in many recipes such as salads and soups, and is often grown and harvested in many environments during the spring and summer. When growing fenugreek, it is often wise to space each seed or plant in rows 9 inches (23 cm) apart to allow for growth. A well-drained soil is also important when growing fenugreek, helping decrease the likelihood of the plant drowning, a common problem when starting any plant from seed or transplant. An acidic soil is required for proper growth, and compost or fertilizer is recommended to help further nourish the soil and provide the growing plant with the proper balance of nutrients.
An herbaceous plant, fenugreek is commonly used in recipes like salads, soups and other foods containing fresh ingredients. Planting fenugreek in the early spring will help ensure a healthy and successful harvest for mid to late summer. When growing fenugreek, it is always important to plant the seeds or starter plants in a sunny location to receive adequate light, allowing for some shade from neighboring plants to combat possible dehydration. Adding mulch around the base of the plants as they grow will help the plant retain moisture during the hotter days of the year.
Adding the proper nutrients to the soil, like compost or an all-natural fertilizer, helps build the soil and provide the growing plant with proper nutrients for a successful growth. Building a well-drained soil is important, and this can usually be accomplished by making mounds in the soil in straight rows. Most plants need room to grow, so it is important to plant fenugreek in rows at least 9 inches (23 cm) apart. During the growing season, it may also be important to constantly feed the soil with more compost and fertilizer before watering.
Growing fenugreek indoors is also possible, using a natural potting soil containing nutrient-rich fertilizer and compost and placing plants in pots that can easily drain excess water. Although the plants can be placed in a sunny spot in a window or outside, they can also be grown successfully with artificial growing lights. When growing fenugreek indoors, the watering cycle can be less frequent due to less evaporation of the water as well as the cooler temperatures in the environment. Harvesting fenugreek often takes one to two months, depending on the variety, and most gardeners tend to harvest the larger leaves first, waiting for the smaller leaves to develop more fully.