March is the perfect time to start a home garden, with the weather warming up just enough to encourage plant growth. Whether you have a spacious terrace, a sunny balcony, or just a few pots on a windowsill, you can grow a variety of fresh produce at home.
Here’s a detailed guide on how to grow amaranthus, coriander, gourds, beans, melons, spinach, and okra — all of which thrive when planted in March.
1. Amaranthus: The low-maintenance super green
If you want a fuss-free, leafy green that grows like a dream, amaranthus is your plant. It thrives in warm weather, requires minimal care, and can be harvested in just three to four weeks.
Image credits: Bigbasket
How to grow:
- Soil and pot: Use well-draining soil in a 10-12 inch deep pot or directly sow in garden beds.
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering.
- Harvesting: Simply snip the leaves as needed, and they will keep growing back.
Pro tip: Plant in batches every 15 days to get a continuous harvest.
2. Coriander: A kitchen staple that’s easy to grow
Nothing beats the aroma of freshly picked coriander! But if you’ve struggled with growing it before, the trick is not to plant it too deep.
How to grow:
- Soil and pot: Use a wide, shallow container (at least six inches deep) with loose, well-drained soil.
- Sunlight: Requires four to five hours of direct sunlight but should be kept cool in extreme heat.
- Watering: Water lightly every day to keep the soil moist.
- Harvesting: Start cutting after three weeks; trim the outer leaves and let the rest grow.
Pro tip: Crush the seeds slightly before sowing for better germination.
3. Gourds (bottle gourd, ridge gourd, bitter gourd): Climbing champions
Gourds are perfect for small spaces because they love to climb! If you have a railing, grill, or trellis, these plants will thrive.
Image credits: YouTube
How to grow:
- Soil and pot: Use large containers (at least 15 inches deep) with nutrient-rich soil.
- Sunlight: Needs full sun — at least six to eight hours a day.
- Watering: Water deeply every alternate day, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
- Support: Provide a trellis or vertical support for the vines to climb.
- Harvesting: Pick when firm but tender, usually in 60-80 days.
Pro tip: Soak seeds overnight before planting for better germination.
4. Beans (French Beans, Cowpeas): The quick growers
Beans are fast-growing, nitrogen-fixing plants that improve soil quality while giving you a great yield!
Image Credits: YouTube
How to grow:
- Soil and pot: Prefers well-draining soil in 12-inch deep pots or grow bags.
- Sunlight: Needs full sunlight to thrive.
- Watering: Water every two to three days, keeping the soil consistently moist.
- Support: Bush varieties need no support, but climbing beans require a trellis.
- Harvesting: Beans are ready to pick within 50-60 days.
Pro tip: Harvest frequently to encourage more pod production!
5. Melons (musk melon, watermelon): Summer’s sweetest reward
Think melons are only for large farms? Think again! They can be grown in large pots or grow bags with the right care.
Image Credit: YouTube
How to grow:
- Soil and pot: Use a wide container (at least 18 inches deep) with well-draining, sandy soil.
- Sunlight: Requires eight hours of sunlight daily.
- Watering: Water deeply every two to three days, but reduce watering when the fruit starts forming.
- Support: If space is limited, train the vines on a strong trellis and use slings for support.
- Harvesting: Ready in 70-90 days — tap the melon, and if it sounds hollow, it’s ripe!
Pro tip: Mulch the soil with dry leaves or straw to retain moisture and keep weeds away.
6. Spinach: The fastest-growing leafy green
Spinach is super easy to grow and thrives even in small pots. You’ll have fresh leaves in just three to four weeks!
How to grow:
- Soil and pot: Use a 10 to 12-inch deep pot with loose, well-draining soil.
- Sunlight: Prefers partial shade — too much heat can make it bolt (flower early).
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Harvesting: Start picking leaves after 20-25 days. Cut from the outside, the plant will keep producing.
Pro Tip: Grow in batches every two weeks for a continuous harvest!
7. Okra: The low-maintenance summer star
Okra (bhindi) loves the summer heat and is one of the easiest vegetables to grow at home.
How to grow:
- Soil and pot: Use a 12 to 15-inch deep container with well-draining soil.
- Sunlight: Requires six to eight hours of full sun daily.
- Watering: Water every alternate day and ensure proper drainage.
- Harvesting: Ready in 40-50 days — pick when two to three inches long for best taste.
Pro tip: Prune the lower leaves regularly to encourage more flowering and fruiting! Now is the perfect time to start your summer home garden. These vegetables and herbs are not only easy to grow but also incredibly rewarding — whether it’s the taste of fresh coriander in your chutneys or the satisfaction of harvesting your okra. So grab some pots, get your hands in the soil, and enjoy homegrown produce in just a few weeks!
Edited by Khushi Arora
