The Indian Garden Calendar: Fresh Food All Year Round
India is blessed with a climate that allows us to grow something new almost every month. Whether you have a big backyard, a small balcony, or just a few pots on a windowsill, you can enjoy fresh, organic produce all year long. Here is your easy breakdown of what to plant during India's three major gardening seasons.
February to May
The Season of Sun & Gourds
Vegetables to Plant:
Flowers:
Sunflowers, Zinnia, and Gaillardia
Pro Tip
Water your plants early in the morning or late in the evening to stop the water from evaporating too quickly in the hot sun.
June to September
The Season of Growth & Vines
Vegetables to Plant:
Flowers:
Balsam, Cosmos, and Marigolds (start seeds now for festive blooms later)
Pro Tip
Be careful of waterlogging. Ensure your pots have good drainage holes so the roots do not rot from too much standing water.
October to January
The Golden Season for Gardeners
Leafy Greens (The Easiest to Grow):
Root Vegetables:
Crucifers:
Cauliflower (Gobi), Cabbage, and Broccoli.
Also:
Tomatoes and Peas (Matar) thrive in this cool weather.
Flowers:
Petunias, Pansies, Roses, and Chrysanthemums
Pro Tip
If you are a complete beginner, start with Methi or Dhania in winter. They grow in just 3-4 weeks!
The Anytime Essentials
These are herbs and plants you can generally maintain year-round in most parts of India with a little care:
Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta)
A must-have for every Indian home
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Protect it from extreme cold in winter
Mint (Pudina)
Grows wild if you give it enough water
Lemongrass
Very hardy and smells great
Soil is King
Use a mix of 50% garden soil and 50% organic compost (like vermicompost or cow manure). This keeps the soil soft and rich.
Do not Overwater
More plants die from too much water than too little. Check the soil with your fingerā if it feels sticky/wet, don not water it.
Sunlight Matters
Most fruiting vegetables (Tomatoes, Chillies, Brinjal) need 6+ hours of sun. Leafy greens (Palak, Mint) can manage with 3-4 hours of partial sun.
Start with small steps and enjoy the journey of growing your own fresh, organic food. Every season brings new opportunities to learn and harvest nature bounty.
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