Growing Vegetables – Edilberto Jr Santiago

Edilberto Santiago Jr Bulacan Philippines Songwriter Author Farmer Blogger

Growing Vegetables May 9, 2025

Growing Eggplant (Talong) Across the Philippines: A Practical Guide

Eggplant—talong to most of us—is practically woven into Filipino cooking. Whether it’s tortang talong in Cavite, adobong talong in Iloilo, or my own favorite grilled talong sa mangga here in Bulacan, this glossy purple vegetable brings so much versatility to our tables. But if you’re ...

Growing Vegetables April 14, 2025

Growing Okra (Okra) Across the Philippines: A Hands-On Guide

Okra—okra to some, ladies’ fingers to others—has become a quiet superstar in Filipino gardens, from rooftop planters in Manila to backyard plots in Bulacan. Its tender, ribbed pods appear in stews, ginataang gulay, or simply sautéed with garlic and onion. Yet, despite its hardiness, okra ...

Growing Vegetables March 12, 2025

Growing Chinese Cabbage (Pechay) Across the Philippines: A Practical Guide

Pechay—often called Chinese cabbage—has quietly become a staple in Filipino kitchens, from sinigang in Samar to stir-fries in Cavite. Its tender, leafy stalks and mild flavor make it ideal for quick sautés or hearty soups. Yet, despite its reputation for being easy, pechay can surprise ...

Growing Vegetables February 4, 2025

Growing Water Spinach (Kangkong) Across the Philippines: A Practical Guide

Kangkong—water spinach—floats its way into almost every Filipino menu, from the sizzling adobong kangkong of Cavite to the garlicky stir-fry plates served in Manila’s street stalls. It’s fast-growing, forgiving in most soils, and yields harvests in just a few weeks. Yet, for all its reputation ...

Growing Vegetables January 7, 2025

Growing Bitter Gourd (Ampalaya) Across the Philippines: A Practical Guide

Bitter gourd—ampalaya—isn’t everyone’s favorite at first bite, but its health benefits and unique flavor have earned it a permanent spot in Filipino gardens from Luzon’s rice terraces to Mindanao’s coastal farms. Crisp, ridged pods laden with tiny seeds mature in just eight weeks, making ampalaya ...

Growing Vegetables December 21, 2024

Growing Yardlong Beans (Sitaw) Across the Philippines: A Practical Guide

Yardlong beans—sitaw in Tagalog—are a proud presence in many Filipino gardens, from the backyards of Batangas to the terraces of Nueva Ecija. Those long, slender pods, sometimes reaching half a meter, are perfect for adobong sitaw, ginisang sitaw at bagoong, or fresh salads tossed with ...

Growing Vegetables November 14, 2024

Growing Tomato (Kamatis) Across the Philippines: A Practical Guide

Tomatoes—kamatis—are the backbone of so many Filipino favorites, from sinigang to spaghetti sauce. And yet, under our tropical skies, they can test even seasoned gardeners. Too much rain often leads to cracked fruits; too little, and vines wilt under the midday sun. After several seasons ...

Growing Vegetables October 9, 2024

Growing Squash (Kalabasa) Across the Philippines: A Practical Guide

Squash—kalabasa—feels like an old friend in Filipino kitchens, from creamy kare-kare in Pampanga to hearty tinola in Quezon Province. The sprawling vines, broad leaves, and golden, football-sized fruits promise generous harvests, yet under tropical conditions they demand a bit of planning. After several seasons of ...

Growing Vegetables September 16, 2024

Growing Taro (Gabi) Across the Philippines: A Practical Guide

Taro—gabi—has nourished Filipino families for generations, from the creamy laing of Bicol to the earthy ginataang gabi in Luzon’s uplands. Its starchy corms and tender young leaves fit seamlessly into both everyday meals and festive occasions. Yet, cultivating gabi under our tropical conditions demands specific ...

Growing Vegetables September 9, 2024

Growing Sponge Gourd (Patola) Across the Philippines: A Practical Guide

Sponge gourd—patola—climbs its way into Filipino kitchens, turning up in tinola, ginisang gulay, and even refreshing salads in Bicol’s coconut-rich dishes. Its pale green, ridged fruits mature fast, often within fifty days of flowering, making patola a favorite for home gardeners and smallholders alike. But ...

Archive