Summer can be tough on most plants, but moong dal handles it surprisingly well. It does not need much water, grows fast, and is a practical choice whether you are working with a small garden or a larger field. If you set it up right in the beginning, it is a fairly low-effort crop that still gives a solid return within a couple of months.
1. Pick the right time and a sunny location
Sow moong dal when daytime temperatures are consistently between 25°C and 35°C. In most regions, early to mid-summer works best.
Summer can be tough on most plants, but moong dal handles it well. Photograph: (Vhumi Agri Marketplace)
Choose a spot that gets at least five to six hours of direct sunlight daily. Make sure the soil drains well, and avoid areas where water collects after rain or watering, as excess moisture can damage the roots.
2. Prepare loose and well-drained soil
Start by digging or tilling the soil to a depth of about 15 to 20 cm so roots can grow freely.
- Remove weeds, stones, and old crop residue.
- Mix in a moderate amount of compost or well-rotted manure.
- Avoid adding too much nitrogen fertiliser, as the plant produces its own.
The goal is to create light, crumbly soil that does not hold excess water.
2. Sow seeds at the right depth and spacing
Plant the seeds directly into the soil; you do not need to transplant.
- Sow seeds two to three centimetres deep.
- Keep 10 to 15 cm between each plant.
- Maintain about 25 to 30 cm between rows.
After covering the seeds, water lightly so the topsoil is moist. Germination usually happens within four to seven days.
3. Water lightly and avoid overwatering
Moong dal needs minimal watering compared to many other crops.
- Water once every three to four days in dry conditions.
- Check the soil before watering. If it still feels slightly moist, wait.
- Reduce watering during flowering and pod formation.
Sow moong dal when daytime temperatures are consistently between 25°C and 35°C. Photograph: (Agri Farming)
Overwatering can lead to root rot and fewer pods, so it is better to stay on the lighter side.
4. Manage weeds and monitor growth early
In the first two to three weeks, remove weeds regularly so young plants do not compete for nutrients and sunlight.
- Do one to two rounds of manual weeding early on.
- Once plants spread, they naturally suppress most weeds.
Healthy plants will start flowering in about 30 to 40 days, followed shortly after by pod formation.
5. Harvest at the right stage for the best yield
Moong dal is usually ready to harvest in 60 to 70 days.
- Wait until most pods turn brown and dry on the plant.
- Harvest by picking pods or uprooting the whole plant.
- Dry the harvested material in sunlight for two to three days.
- Thresh or shell to collect the beans.
Timely harvesting prevents pods from splitting and losing seeds.
Moong dal needs minimal watering compared to many other crops. Photograph: (Vaagdhara)
Moong dal is a practical crop for summer and improves soil health by adding nitrogen. With basic care at the start and a bit of attention during early growth, it can be a reliable and efficient addition to your cropping cycle.
