Fundamentals of Agriculture and Sericulture, Volume 3

The general method for melons original: "瓜" (gua). Referencing the cultivation techniques mentioned previously for similar vine crops. also works; one only needs to water them frequently late at night.

New Book on Agricultural Essentials original: "務本新書" (Wuben Xinshu). A Yuan dynasty agricultural manual emphasizing practical techniques for farmers. When the eggplant first begins to flower, judge the number of plants carefully and prune away the branches and leaves; this allows the late-season eggplants to grow again. In late autumn, take the old eggplants and boil them until soft. Soak them in water to remove the skin and mix them thoroughly with salt for consumption during the winter months. Adding sesame oil original: "麻" (ma). Here referring to sesame oil or paste used as a condiment. as you go is considered the best method.

Main Techniques for the Welfare of the People original: "齊民要術" (Qi Min Yao Shu). A 6th-century agricultural treatise by Jia Sixie, renowned for its detailed vegetable cultivation guides. When planting, do not aim for a large quantity; rather, one must have good land, such as the site of old ruins or fresh manure. If there is no manure from old ruins, use ash as fertilizer. Apply it one inch thick; however, if there is too much ash, the soil will become too dry. Manure from crumbling walls is also excellent.

Otherwise, they will not grow. The plowed land should be well-worked and "mature." Plant them at the beginning of the seventh month. Use three sheng original: "升" (sheng). A traditional unit of dry volume, roughly equivalent to a liter in the later dynasties. of seeds per mu original: "畝" (mu). A Chinese unit of land area, roughly 0.16 acres.. Any time from the "Limit of Heat" original: "處暑" (Chushu). A solar term beginning around August 23rd marking the end of summer heat. until the "White Dew" festival original: "白露" (Bailu). A solar term beginning around September 7th. in the eighth month is acceptable. Those planted early are used for pickles original: "菹" (ju). Salted or fermented vegetables.; those planted late are used for drying. Sow the seeds by broadcasting original: "漫散" (mansan). To scatter seeds by hand over a wide area rather than planting in rows. and then use a drag harrow original: "勞" (lao). A farming tool used to level the soil and cover seeds after they have been scattered..