As the spring season has brought bloom in gardens and farms, it is time to think about the new harvest. It is the perfect time to sow the seeds for vegetables and fruits that are likely to blossom between February, March and April, months in which spring spreads all its vibrant colours across India. Whether you have a balcony in your flat or a small garden in your house, you can grow a few plants and enjoy fresh produce during the onset of the summer season. Here are the vegetables and fruits that are perfect to grow in this season.
Cabbage
Cabbage is a cool-season vegetable, which makes spring the perfect time to grow it. The temperature is neither too hot nor too cold, and these plants can receive an optimum amount of sunlight during the day. The soil must be fertile, and you must water the plant every day to ensure you can harvest firm heads. In Indian cuisine, cabbage is often paired with spices like turmeric, cumin, and mustard seeds, giving it a unique flavour profile. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure into the soil before planting helps provide the necessary nutrients and improves soil structure. Avoid soil that is too heavy or waterlogged, as cabbage roots need good aeration to grow properly.
Spinach
If you like greens in your food, you should grow spinach in your garden. The cool-season crop flourishes in mild temperatures, which is why spring is the best time to grow it. The crop blooms faster, and you can cut the leaves and leave the plants to regrow soon for the next harvest. Spinach doesn't require very deep soil and may thrive in small spaces, and it should be planted in pots that are at least 14 inches in diameter. About three or four spinach plants can fit in a pot this size. Grow bags are another option for growing spinach inside, though terracotta pots and planters are still common choices. To avoid damp soil, just make sure the container you select has ample drainage holes.
Cucumber
If you love the crunchy vegetable as a part of your salad bowl or as a fresher in your beverages, why don’t you cucumber with the seeds in your kitchen garden? This spring season, you can directly sow cucumber seeds into the soil, and the vegetable will be ready to be harvested in about 2 to 3 months. To get a healthy plant, you’ll need to keep trellising it to keep the fruits off the ground and prevent disease. In India, you can choose from several cucumber varieties suited for different climates and space constraints. Common varieties include English cucumbers, which are long and thin, ideal for salads; Indian cucumbers, which are shorter and more robust, perfect for pickling and cooking; and Slicing cucumbers, which are typically used fresh in salads.
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Green Beans
Next in line are beans that are loaded with antioxidants and fibre. This vegetable is good for digestion and helps to get rid of constipation and indigestion. Green beans are a staple vegetable for every Indian kitchen. Growing your own green beans ensures a fresh, organic supply right at your fingertips, and they are relatively easy to cultivate, even for beginners. The demand for container gardening has increased because of the increasing population in India. Growing green beans in containers is a great solution for people in urban and suburban locations with little space. Plants can be moved around in a container garden to get the best possible light and attention. Cultivating green beans in a pot is a very straightforward process. With the right conditions and care, anyone can enjoy a bountiful harvest, regardless of space constraints.
Capsicums
In the spring season, capsicum is a must-add vegetable to your diet. Rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, the vegetable is known to boost immunity. It is also known for managing blood glucose levels and refuelling the energy levels of the body. You can add it to your stir-fry recipe or make stuffed capsicums. While consistently watering the capsicum plant is necessary, you should also ensure that you are not over-watering. Traditionally, capsicums require about 1 inch of water every week. If you are sowing the seeds in the monsoon season, take the rains into account and prevent any waterlogging in the soil, which can harm the plant.
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Green Peas
The spring season is when you will get fresh peas. As soon as the summer season arrives, you will have to switch to frozen options because fresh peas are only available in winter and spring. Choose a sunny spot with at least 4-6 hours of sunlight each day. Peas need ample light to thrive but can tolerate partial shade. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12-15 inches. This allows the roots to penetrate easily. Add organic compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil. Make sure there is good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. If you are planting peas in pots or containers, use a well-draining potting mix and check that the containers have drainage holes.