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During monsoon, the price of leafy greens rises because their shelf life decreases, and they are hard to grow and ensure a good harvest. Rainfall leads to mud puddles, and many hibernating reptiles rise above the surface and destroy the crop. Many times, small bacteria in the soil ruin the leaves or get stuck to them, making them unsafe for human consumption.
One way to get access to fresh greens is to grow them at home. Your kitchen garden or balcony is perfect. Unlike a farm, it is relatively safe from reptiles, and you can be vigilant about fungi growth, bacteria, and worms ruining the harvest. Below is a list of leafy greens that you can grow at home with minimal supervision.
Coriander
Currently, the price of coriander has increased by almost Rs 20 in Noida. While you can add a handful of it to your curries in other months, now you have to take a step back and reduce the amount, while emphasising more on thorough cleaning. The plant needs partial sunlight, and it thrives in cool weather. Crush the seeds slightly, soak them in water for 24 hours, and plant them in well-drained soil, comprising a mix of garden soil, compost, and coco-peat. You will get your first harvest in 3-4 weeks.
Fenugreek
Methi is crucial in Indian cooking, especially if you have a stock of dried leaves. It loves humid weather and damp soil, therefore, the Indian monsoon is the perfect time to grow it on your balcony. Packed with iron and vitamins, you can harvest it multiple times if you don’t pull the stems by the roots. Soak the seeds in water and sow them after 24-48 hours. Water every day without logging the liquid and enjoy the first harvest in just 30 days.
Lettuce
In the early or late weeks of the monsoon season, you can grow lettuce. Butterhead and Romaine are perfect for this weather, especially in areas where rainfall is mild. You will need to prepare raised beds to prevent root rot and keep the planter in a corner that receives indirect sunlight. Harsh light can cause the browning of leaves. Once the leaves are big, harvest them without uprooting the entire plant. This will also promote growth and heavy foliage.
Spinach
Spinach can also be planted in this weather. Indian monsoon brings ample moisture with it, which is good for the plants that need more water. If you plant spinach right now, you can enjoy multiple harvests. Directly sow the seeds in shallow pots with well-drained soil, and wait for 30 days to enjoy the first pluck. Make sure to water the plant every day, but prevent clogging.
Curry Leaves
Curry leaves also flourish during the monsoon. You can bring a sapling home and plant it in your kitchen garden. These aromatic leaves add earthy notes when tempered in oil. Make sure to plant it in a large pot as the roots need space to grow. It will need plenty of water and indirect sunlight. Make sure to trim the branches for bushy growth, and you can store extra leaves in the fridge.
