Category Archives: Vegetable Gardening

10 Herbs Easy to Grow at Home

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The magnetism of fresh herbs is undeniable. Not only do they elevate the flavours of our culinary creations, but they also come packed with health benefits. Imagine stepping into your balcony or terrace garden and plucking fresh herbs for that evening tea or aromatic curry.

Growing herbs at home is a delightful journey that connects us with nature’s bounty. Below is the list of herbs which you can grow at home.

1. Tulsi (Holy basil)

2. Curry leaves

3. Mint

4. Coriander 

5. Lemongrass

6. Thyme

7. Parsley

8. Chives

9. Ajwain plant

10. Green Onion 

Let’s explore ten herbs that bringing freshness and flavour to your doorstep.

10 Herbs Easy to Grow at Home

1. Tulsi (Holy Basil)

tulsi plant

Tulsi (Holy basil) is a summer plant and well-suited for cultivation in warm seasons. Tulsi leaves are used into teas or beverages to add a unique herbal flavor. 

Tulsi plant requires well-drained soil and ample sunlight, making it a perfect fit for home garden.

Click here to read step by step: How to grow Tulsi from seeds at home

Medicinal benefit: Tulsi is admired for its medicinal properties. Rich in antioxidants, this sacred herb is easy to grow. Regularly used in Ayurvedic preparations.

2. Curry leaves

curry leaf

The curry leaf is a wonderful addition to kitchens, appreciated for both its delightful fragrance and taste. It serves as a useful herb, commonly found in many households.

It is a plant that thrives in the summertime, flourishing effectively from February to October.

This plant thrives in abundant sunlight, requiring approximately 5-6 hours of exposure each day. However, it does not demand excessive watering.

Medicinal benefit: Curry leaves serve as a rich source of vitamins A, B, C, and E, delivering crucial nutrients essential for overall health. Furthermore, the consumption of curry leaves may play a role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, promoting overall heart health.

3. Mint (Pudina)

Mint plant in pot

Cool and refreshing, mint is a must-have herb for every kitchen. Mint is used for various culinary and medicinal purposes. 

  • Mint adds a refreshing and aromatic flavor to a wide range of dishes, including salads, beverages, desserts, and main courses.

Mint thrives in moist soil and partial shade, which makes it ideal for pots or hanging baskets.

Click here to read step by step: How to grow Mint at home

Medicinal benefit: Mint has several potential health benefits, such as; help ease nausea and motion sickness, good source of antioxidants, which help combat oxidative stress in the body, its ability to soothe indigestion and alleviate digestive discomfort.

4. Coriander (Dhaniya)

Coriander

The vibrant green leaves of coriander are a staple in Indian cuisine. From garnishing curries to flavouring dals and chutneys its uses are countless.

Coriander grows best in well-drained, loamy soil and prefers cool conditions, making it a winter favourite in many Indian regions.

Click here to read step by step: How to grow Coriander at home

Medicinal benefit: Also, coriander has several potential health benefits, such as: natural antibacterial properties, potentially contributing to overall immune health.

5. Lemongrass (Gavati Chaha)

lemongrass

A fragrant addition to soups, teas, and curries, lemon grass thrives in India’s warm climate. Its citrusy aroma and flavour make it a refreshing choice for homemade teas.

Lemongrass, also known as Gavati Chaha, is typically grown in the warm seasons, particularly during the summer.

It thrives in a tropical or subtropical climate and requires well-drained soil and ample sunlight for optimal growth.

Medicinal benefit: Lemongrass offers various potential health benefits, including; it promote a healthy digestive system, rich in antioxidants, it has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, contributing to overall immune support.

6. Thyme

thyme

Thyme is a fragrant herb that belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is known for its aromatic leaves. Thyme is a flavorful herb that not only enhances the taste of dishes but also offers potential health benefits.

 Thyme thrives in well-drained soil and prefers full sunlight. It is a hardy perennial plant and can be grown in gardens or containers.

Medicinal benefit: Thyme has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties. It contains compounds with potential antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant effects. Thyme tea is sometimes used to alleviate respiratory issues.

7. Parsley

parsley

Parsley is a versatile herb with a mild, fresh flavor and is widely used in culinary applications. It is used as a garnish and ingredient in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, stews, and sauces.

Parsley is relatively easy to grow and can thrive in containers or in ground. It prefers well-drained soil and partial to full sunlight.

Companion Plant: Parsley is sometimes used as a companion plant in gardens. Its strong scent is believed to repel certain pests, making it a beneficial addition to vegetable gardens.

Medicinal benefit: Parsley is rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin K, vitamin C, and vitamin A. It also contains antioxidants and minerals such as iron and calcium.

8. Chives

A close relative of onions and garlic, chives give a mild onion flavour. They thrive in well-drained soil and require moderate sunlight. 

chives

Chives are commonly used as a fresh herb in cooking. They are particularly popular in salads, soups, sauces, and as a garnish for various dishes. Due to their mild flavor, they complement a wide range of foods.

Chives are easy to grow and can thrive in a variety of conditions. They prefer well-drained soil and partial sunlight.

They are often cultivated in home gardens and are a popular herb for indoor container gardening.

Medicinal benefit: Chives are low in calories and rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate. They also contain antioxidants.

9. Ajwain plant (Mexican mint) 

ajwain plant

The Ajwain plant, alternatively called Mexican mint or Indian Borage, shares both the aroma and taste of carom seeds. In fact, a simple touch can reveal its identity as an oregano plant.

The leaves of the Ajwain plant, known as oregano, are not only used in pizzas but also has numerous benefits. You can create homemade oregano by drying the leaves of the Ajwain plant.

This plant tends to bloom more during the summer, as it is well-suited for warmer seasons.

It thrives with a sunlight requirement of 1-4 hours maximum, not exceeding this duration.

Click here to read step by step: How to grow Ajwain Plant at home

Medicinal benefit: The Ajwain plant is rich in many nutrients such as protein, carbohydrates, fiber, sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, iron, and thiamine, due to which it is used as a medicinal plant.

10. Green Onion 

Green Onion

Green onion leaves, also known as scallions or spring onions. Green onion leaves are not only a flavorful addition to a wide range of dishes but also contribute essential nutrients to a balanced diet.

Green onions are easy to grow and can be cultivated in gardens or containers. They prefer well-drained soil and partial sunlight. 

Medicinal benefit: Green onion leaves are low in calories but rich in vitamins and minerals. They contain vitamin K, vitamin C, vitamin A, and various B vitamins. They also provide folate, potassium, and fiber.

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Growing herbs at home is a rewarding experience that brings nature’s freshness to your doorstep. From the sacred Tulsi to the versatile mint and the aromatic oregano, these ten herbs offer a symphony of flavours and fragrances.

Also read:

9 Plants You Should Grow at Home

Happy Gardening!!

grow Radish thumbnail

How to Grow Radish in Pots at Home?

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Radishes are a good source of antioxidants and help to flush out toxins from the body. What if you could get organic and unadulterated homegrown radishes? Isn’t that exciting?

Well! In this detailed write-up, we will be learning how to grow radishes at home with all the necessary precautions.

Best Season to Grow Radish

Radishes are a winter season crop, typically grown in winter. However, their seeds need to be germinated before winter starts. The best duration for growing and consuming radishes is from October to March.

From where to get Radish Seeds

Generally, at all the nurseries good quality seeds can be found. Also, you can purchase seeds online.

 

Grow Bags for Radish

grow bags for radish

For vegetables like radishes or carrots, it is highly recommended to use grow bags sized at 12” x 18” inches.

  • In buckets or other pots, these vegetables may not grow properly.

Radishes, when grown in buckets or containers, often lack the necessary space for proper width, resulting in only 4-5 radishes per batch.

grow bags

  • It is essential to choose high-quality grow bags to avoid tearing during the growing process.
  • Good-quality grow bags are readily available in the market.

 

Soil Mixture for Radish

Soil mixture for radish (1)

 

  • Soil: Collect soil from nearby nurseries or surroundings. Clean, sieve, and remove any unwanted debris.
  • Compost: Add any compost, approximately 1/4th of the soil. Vermicompost is a suitable option.
  • Epsom Salt: Optionally, add a small amount of Epsom salt.
  • Fungicide: Include a small quantity of fungicide. Cinnamon powder can also be used as an alternative.
  • Construction Sand: Add sand in the same quantity as the compost. If the soil is clayey, increase the amount of sand in the mixture.

Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and fill the prepared mixture into the grow bags.

Water the soil before sowing seeds

water soil (1)

  • Ensure the soil receives ample water until the bottom soil is well-moisturized.
  • Allow the bags to sit for 10-12 hours to ensure proper absorption of moisture and settling of the soil.

Sowing Radish Seeds in the Soil

1. Make holes at appropriate distances in the soil-filled grow bags.

  • Fill these holes with coco peat and place the seeds on the coco peat. Coco peat is used here because it facilitates quick seed germination.

2. After placing the seeds, spray an adequate amount of water to ensure proper moisture for both the seeds and coco peat.

3. Subsequently, regularly spray water whenever the top layer of the soil or coco peat appears dry. Avoid using mugs or pipes for watering to prevent seeds from shifting; instead, use only sprays.

4. Position the grow bags in an area with a minimum of 3 hours of direct sunlight. Adequate sunlight is crucial for the proper growth of radishes.

5. Minimize unnecessary movements of the bags; once placed, keep them in the same position.

Germination of Seeds

 

1. After 5-6 days, some seeds will likely have germinated.

2. By the 10th to 12th day, seedlings should become visible.

  • If seedlings appear bent, it indicates insufficient sunlight. Ensure they receive an adequate amount of sunlight for proper growth.

3. Check that seedlings have sufficient space between them.

  • Radishes require space to grow, and if there isn’t enough room between two seedlings, radishes may not develop properly.

Repotting of Seedlings

While vegetables like carrots, radishes, spinach, and others generally do not require repotting, if there is a lack of space between seedlings, consider repotting them to provide the necessary room for healthy growth.

Following these steps will help ensure successful germination and optimal growth of radish seedlings.

  • Take out the seedling carefully with the help of any tool.
  • Dip the roots of uprooted seedling in water for at least 5-10 minutes in any vessel.
  • Now, sow the seedling in another grow bag by making a hole in the soil.
  • Adjust all other seedlings also, if they are tilted then align them.
  • Pour water properly now and always prefer to do repotting in the evening

One-Month Growth: Radish Emerges from the Soil

  • After approximately one month, you should start to see the radishes emerging from the soil.

Pest Identification and Remediation:

During this period, there might be instances of pest attacks, which can be identified by:

  • Yellowing leaves
  • Leaves with holes (indicating insect damage)
  • Possible presence of leaf miners

To address pest issues, take the following measures:

1. Immediate Removal of Damaged Leaves:

  • Remove any leaves that show signs of damage promptly to prevent further pest spread.

2. Neem Decoction Treatment:

    • Boil neem leaves in water to create a neem decoction.
    • Sieve the neem decoction to obtain a clear solution.
    • Dilute the neem decoction with ten parts water.
    • Spray this diluted neem solution on the leaves 2-3 times to combat pests.

These measures will help protect your radish plants from pests and promote healthy growth.

Fertilizer for Radish Plants

Radish plants typically do not require additional fertilizers, as the soil is already enriched with compost, maintaining adequate nutrient levels.

Watering Tips to Radish Plants

Radishes are typically cultivated in winter, where the soil tends to retain moisture for longer periods. It is essential to water the plants judiciously:

1. Watering Frequency:

    • Water the radishes when the soil is dry, as the winter season often keeps the soil moist for extended periods.
    • Avoid frequent watering, as overwatering can lead to plant decay, while underwatering may impede plant growth. Maintain a balanced watering schedule.

2. Balanced Watering:

    • Strive to strike a proper balance in watering to ensure the health and growth of the radish plant.

3. Watering Technique:

    • When watering, use a mug and apply water from the sides to prevent any potential damage to the plant.

By adhering to these watering practices, you can support the well-being and successful growth of your radish plants.

Harvesting Radish

After approximately 2 months, you will observe the radishes emerging from the soil. Follow these steps for a successful harvest:

1. Timing:

    • Uproot the radishes when they become visible, typically around the 2-month mark.

2. Harvesting Technique:

    • Gently uproot the radishes from the soil, ensuring minimal damage to the roots.

3. Result:

    • The outcome will be a bountiful harvest of organic radishes with healthy leaves.

4. Careful Measures:

    • Throughout the growth period, adhere to the provided measures diligently to ensure the successful cultivation of homemade, organic radishes.

By following these guidelines, you will enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting homegrown, organic radishes with robust and healthy leaves.

HAPPY GARDENING!!