Foreigners Learning to Grow Veggies on Red Note? China’s 1000-Year-Old Farming Wisdom Goes Global!

With TikTok facing restrictions in the U.S., an unexpected wave of foreigners is flocking to China’s lifestyle encyclopedia—Red Note (Xiaohongshu)—to dive into the world of urban gardening. From balcony tomatoes to backyard cucumbers, they’re buzzing about “healthy and budget-friendly” gardening methods while marveling at the mystical gardening hacks shared by Chinese netizens. But what makes these seemingly simple gardening tips so captivating? The answer lies in the centuries-old farming wisdom passed down through generations in China.

As a leader in grower supplies, Dajue proudly declares: The Chinese have mastered farming for over 1,000 years, turning any space—from rural fields to modern windowsills—into thriving green havens. Let’s explore the “Chinese-style gardening secrets” that are leaving foreigners in awe.

Main Course: Starting a Home Garden? Discover the “Farming Philosophy” of Our Ancestors!

When foreigners scroll through Red Note and see Chinese aunties growing loofahs in foam boxes, it’s no wonder their jaws drop: “This is pure magic!” But Dajue knows better—our success is built on over a millennium of accumulated farming knowledge.

Why do Chinese home gardens stand out?

1. Adapt to the Land: Tailoring to Local Climate

China’s climate is diverse, and this diversity influences gardening practices and plant choices. For instance, in the north, people grow cold-resistant green onions that can thrive in harsh winters. Meanwhile, in the south, bamboo frames are used to withstand typhoons and heavy rains. This adaptability is not just experience—it’s an understanding of how to harmonize with nature.

When choosing flower pots, our ancestors emphasized air permeability, as breathable pots allow soil to maintain moisture balance, preventing root suffocation. This reflects a deep wisdom in matching plant needs with their environment.

2. Upcycle Everything: Clever Resource Circulation

In traditional Chinese gardening, the concept of "upcycling" is omnipresent. For example, old oil drums are repurposed into seedling pots, and worn clothes are used to make plant ties. This thrifty, eco-friendly approach reflects a respect for resources and a sustainable way of living.

This method of sustainable living resonates deeply with modern gardeners around the world, with many exclaiming, “So this is sustainable living?”

3. Lunar Secrets: Precise Planting and Harvesting Times

One secret of Chinese farming lies in the careful timing of planting and harvesting, governed by the lunar calendar. For example, melons are planted after Qingming and harvested before the Autumn Equinox, with a level of precision that leaves foreigners amazed.

This knowledge goes beyond trial and error; it represents an understanding of natural cycles and rhythms, which ancient farmers used to their advantage.

Side Dish 1: Using Seed Starter Pots Right? Don’t “Suffocate” Your Baby Plants!

Many beginners think that just tossing seeds into a pot and watering them is enough. Chinese growers laugh: “Wrong pots can reduce germination rates by half!”

• Clay vs. Plastic: Clay pots allow for better air circulation but can trap excess water, causing root suffocation if not used properly. For beginners, plastic pots with drainage holes are a better choice, with the addition of broken tiles at the bottom to mimic the breathable qualities of ancient pottery. This allows roots to “breathe” while maintaining moisture levels.

• “Seed Black Magic”: For watermelon seeds, soak them overnight, wrap them in a damp towel, and refrigerate for three days to stimulate faster sprouting. This method tricks the seeds into thinking conditions are ideal for growth, speeding up the process.

• Too Crowded? Try “Fake Transplanting”: Once seedlings grow three leaves, move them to larger pots with damp straw (or modern biodegradable fabric) to protect the roots. This mimics the ancient practice of carefully transplanting seedlings without damaging their roots.

At Dajue, our seed trays are designed based on ancient "cell tray seedling" methods, with different depths for different root types, allowing even beginners to grow professional-quality seedlings.

Side Dish 2: Biodegradable Mulch Film = Miracle? Use It Wrong, and It’s a Disaster!

While influencers on Red Note rave about biodegradable mulch, many foreigners end up with wilted plants. What’s the catch?

• Best for Moisture-Loving Crops: Biodegradable mulch is great for crops that need moisture, such as strawberries and eggplants. But for wild greens like cilantro, which require more air circulation, mulch can lead to root rot.

• Location Matters: In humid southern regions, mulch can trap excessive moisture, creating a “root sauna” effect. In drier northern climates, mulch works wonders by maintaining moisture and protecting roots. Ancestors knew this—"The south prefers cotton; the north needs film."

• Seal the Edges: If you don’t bury the edges of the mulch film, wind can turn it into a “killer plastic ribbon,” strangling your plants.

Dajue’s tip: Our bamboo-blend mulch decomposes into fertilizer in about three months. Just be sure to poke holes for potatoes—otherwise, you'll harvest marble-sized spuds!

Side Dish 3: Grafting Too Hard? Chinese Farmers Mastered It 2000 Years Ago!

Foreigners often watch Chinese grandfathers grafting persimmons and exclaim, “Is this plant surgery?” Don’t worry—it’s simpler than you think!

• Historical Fun: As early as the Han Dynasty, Chinese farmers were grafting apples onto pear trees. The Tang Dynasty also introduced “100-flower trees,” a technique that allowed multiple types of fruit to grow from a single tree. This innovation wasn't just for increased harvests—it was a display of ancient ingenuity.

• Universal Formula:

  • Fruit Trees: Graft peaches onto apricots, cutting at a 45° angle and wrapping with breathable film (try Dajue’s biodegradable tape for best results).
  • Veggies: Graft cucumbers onto pumpkin roots to increase disease resistance and create “cucumber trees.”
  • Herbs: Graft mint and basil for hybrid flavors—perfect for transforming your instant noodles into gourmet meals.

Dajue’s trick: Ensure the cambium layers are aligned, avoid rainy days, and let nature do the work. Our biodegradable grafting film guarantees a 90% success rate.

Dessert: Why Global Gardeners Love Chinese Wisdom—It’s All About “Earthly Romance”

When foreigners harvest their first Shanghai bok choy following a Red Note tutorial, they’re not just tasting vegetables—they’re experiencing China’s belief that “the land breeds prosperity.” From seeds to tools, Dajue bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern urban gardening for green thumbs worldwide.

So next time you spot a neighbor fussing over their planter, don’t laugh—they might be unlocking a 1,000-year-old farming secret!