We have generally been averse to growing water-heavy crops, especially since we have faced a drought since the last good monsoon in 2012. However, we wanted to grow our own sugarcane to have a supply of jaggery. We identified a 1000 sq yard plot and planted sugarcane in March, which is the right time for spring sowing, since the crop needs 25-32°C for germination. See this Sugarcane Farming Guide for more details.
We mulched the bed immediately after sowing, to limit the amount of watering required.
Despite our fears that the mulch would block germination, the crop came up strong and green by April.
By May, the crop was about 1 foot high. Sugarcane has a long lifecycle, spanning spring, summer, the rains and winter.
By November the crop was about 8 feet high, thick and lush, and soon ready for harvest. More about that in another post!
