7 Best Plant Varieties to Grow in the Rainy Season
With the monsoon set to hit most parts of the subcontinent in around a month, it’s time to plan what to grow during the rainy season. Gardening enthusiasts look forward to the season as, besides bringing much-needed relief from the sweltering summer heat, it also brings exciting opportunities to grow plant varieties that thrive in the rain. Choosing suitable plants is crucial to ensure the terrace garden looks lush during the rainy season. Here’s a list of the 7 best plant varieties to grow in the monsoon months.
1. Marigold (Gende ka phool) – A Monsoon Garden Favourite
Marigolds are a fantastic choice if you’re looking to add vibrant colour to your terrace garden during the rain. These hardy flowers are resistant to fungal diseases, which are common in humid conditions. They thrive in well-drained soil and require minimum maintenance, making them a great option for beginners and seasoned gardeners. A bonus – they act as natural pest repellents, keeping your garden healthy.
2. Bitter Gourd (Karela) – Nutritious and Easy to Grow
Bitter gourd is a staple in Indian cuisine. It’s an excellent vegetable to grow during the monsoon as it loves the moist, warm, rainy environment. Provide a sturdy trellis or vertical support on your terrace to allow the vines to climb easily. Regular harvesting will encourage more fruit production, ensuring a fresh, organic supply for your kitchen.
3. Jasmine (Mogra) – Fragrant Garden Plant in The Monsoon
The sweet aroma of Mogra flowers wafting through your terrace during the rains will add an uplifting note to your terrace garden. Jasmine plants flourish in the humid, cooler temperatures of the monsoon. They require minimal watering and just a bit of sunlight between showers to produce abundant blooms. Plant them near seating areas or windows for maximum enjoyment.
4. Ladies Finger (Bhindi) – Quick Growing Monsoon Vegetable
Okra, or Ladies Finger, is a fast-growing vegetable that loves the warm, wet conditions of the rainy season. It’s a popular choice for terrace gardeners aiming for a quick harvest. Use loose and well-drained soil to prevent root rot. Pruning and feeding the plant organic fertilizer will keep it healthy throughout the monsoon months.
5. Balsam (Gulmehendi) – Colourful and Low Maintenance
Balsam is one of the easiest monsoon flowers to grow. Its colourful bell-shaped blooms can add a burst of colour and life to dull, rainy days. These plants prefer partial shade, making them ideal for terraces that receive filtered sunlight. Sow the seeds directly in containers or raised beds, and within weeks, you’ll enjoy colourful blooms in the terrace garden.
6. Cucumber (Kheera) – Fresh and Fast-Growing
For those who love adding fresh cucumber to salads, growing this vegetable on your terrace is an excellent idea during the rainy season. Cucumbers thrive in the moist soil and high humidity that monsoon brings. Support the vines with a trellis and ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.
7. Turmeric (Haldi) – The Healing Monsoon Crop
Turmeric is a wonderful perennial that thrives with consistent moisture but doesn’t tolerate waterlogged roots. Plant turmeric rhizomes in pots or grow bags with rich, well-draining soil. By the end of the season, you’ll have organic haldi – an immunity booster – in your kitchen.
Tips For Successful Rainy Season Gardening
- Always use well-draining potting soil to prevent waterlogging and fungal infections.
- Regularly check plants for pests, especially snails and slugs.
- Use organic fertilizers to boost growth during the monsoon.
- Place potted plants where they can receive intermittent sunlight between rains.
The monsoon is the perfect time to refresh your terrace garden with plants that thrive naturally in rain and humidity. Choosing the right plant varieties ensures a vibrant, healthy, and highly productive green space. Start planting seeds today to have seedlings ready to plant in time for the monsoon, and watch your terrace turn into a lush paradise!
