Kamal Ghorui
Home gardening of vegetables in the summer season is not just a fashion, but also a way of life. With increasing awareness of organic food and the environment, many home gardeners are opting for easy-to-grow green vegetables such as lauki, kheera, and karela. These vegetables are easy to cultivate in the Indian climate and can also be grown in balcony gardens. What makes it easy for home gardeners is the availability of ready-to-use seed kits that include everything needed for home gardening. With minimal effort and the correct approach, home gardeners can enjoy fresh and chemical-free vegetables from their own home garden.
Why summer vegetables are perfect for home gardening
As mentioned by ApSeeds, summer vegetables are naturally conducive to India’s hot and humid climate. Gourds and cucumbers belong to the cucurbit family of vegetables. These vegetables thrive in hot temperatures and require minimal maintenance. According to gardening sources, these vegetables:
- Thrive in temperatures ranging between 25-38°C
- Require full sun to grow
- Grow well in containers, terraces, and small gardens
Seed kits make the process even simpler by offering:
- High-quality seeds selected for you
- Potting mix and containers
- Easy instructions to help you get started, even as a beginner
5 best green vegetables to grow in summer
1. Bottle Gourd (Lauki)
One of the staples of Indian cuisine, bottle gourd is an easy plant to cultivate and is also nutritious. Bottle gourd is a climbing vine that can thrive in pots as well. With sufficient sunlight and watering, it is ready in a matter of weeks.
2. Cucumber (Kheera)
Cucumbers are quick-growing and refreshing summer veggies. They are great for new gardeners and can be grown in pots and/or in the garden. Harvesting time is around 45 to 60 days.
3. Bitter Gourd (Karela)
Karela prefers hot weather and is said to have many health benefits. It needs:
- At least 8 hours of sunlight
- Watering
- Trellis support for climbing
Experts recommend soaking the seeds before planting for better germination.
4. Ridge Gourd (Torai)
This low-maintenance vegetable grows quickly in summer and produces long, tender fruits. It is ideal for vertical gardening setups and small spaces.
5. Snake Gourd (Chichinda)
This low-maintenance vegetable is easy to grow in the summer season and bears long fruits. Snake gourd is best suited for vertical gardening.
Seed kits: The easy way to start gardening
For the beginner, seed kits are a game-changer. Seed kits are usually provided with seeds and containers, and this helps the beginner in gardening, despite not having prior experience in the field. For example, National Seed Corporation’s (NSC) Vegetable Kitchen Garden Seed Kit is quite handy for the beginner looking for DIY kits. Combo seed kits are also provided, in which gardeners can cultivate different vegetables like bottle gourd, bitter gourd, and ridge gourd in one season.
Simple tips for a healthy summer garden
For best results, here are some tips to bear in mind:
- Select a place with direct sunlight and good air circulation
- Water the plants well, but not waterlogged
- Use organic compost for the best growth
- Use supports like trellises for vine plants
The cultivation of summer vegetables at home can be a very easy and fulfilling task that brings out the health, eco-friendly, and creative aspects of our lives. With the availability of lauki, kheera, karela, and seed kits, any home can be turned into a thriving kitchen garden.This not only provides homegrown vegetables but also gives a sense of fulfilment that no other vegetables can provide.
