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Winters are chilly in North India as they bring biting cold winds, layers of snowfall enveloping farms, and temperature drops below 0°C. When you imagine freezing cold, often a picture of arid land with bare trees comes to mind. But what if someone tells you that your balcony can look green and blossom even when the sun is not shining?
There are a few veggies that you can grow in the icy cold temperature of North Indian winter. They will not only add a touch of greenery to your terrace or balcony but you will also enjoy fresh produce in winter. Here are some of the winter-friendly vegetables you must know about.
Peas
Peas can be grown in winter, in fact, these are called seasonal produce. You can sow the seeds in well-drained soil and support the creeper to grow and bloom. However, make sure you add enough fertilizer to the soil every two weeks to promote healthy growth and keep pests away. You can use home-grown peas to make pulao, kebab, paratha, kachori, and whatnot.
Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable, rich in iron and other essential nutrients. You can sow its seeds now and wait for 6-8 weeks to cut the harvest. It needs fertile soil that can easily drain water. You can also add compost to the pot for a high-quality harvest. Many people often make the mistake of overwatering and fertilising the soil during winter. It can damage the crop.
Carrot
Winters without carrots are incomplete. From pickles to halwa, they are used to prepare a variety of dishes. Now imagine harvesting these red root vegetables from your balcony rather than purchasing from the market. You can plant seeds or place the heads of carrots in a fertile and well-drained soil. Keep watering the plants just enough so the soil is not dry.
Cabbage
Did you know you could grow cabbage in winter? Its multiple layers are a perfect metaphor for humans hiding their bodies under layers of warmers and sweaters. Used in soups, as wraps, and even to prepare vegan steaks, this vegetable can be easily grown using seeds. Use a sprinkler to water the soil and avoid fertilisation when the head is forming, otherwise, the chemicals will seep into the layers and harm you.
Radish
Radish is another winter vegetable that you can grow in this weather. You can plant the seeds or heads of radish in the soil at least 1-3 inches apart. The soil should remain moist without clogging. The only challenge you will experience is avoiding the growth of pests and diseases. To shield the planters from harsh weather outside, you can also grow radish inside. Once harvested, you can make parathas, pickles, and plenty of other delicacies with mooli.
Beetroot
Beetroot is a nutrient-rich vegetable that is a must-have in winter. You can make soups, salads, parathas, salads, kanji, and several other delights that will help you build immunity against the harsh weather. You can plant the seeds in well-drained soil and must maintain the right acidic levels of the soil.
