Growing Vegetables In Kerala, Planting Calendar

Introduction to Growing Vegetables in Kerala, Vegetable Planting Calendar: Hello Gardeners, we are back with a new topic and the topic is all about growing vegetables in Kerala and the vegetable planting calendar of Kerala. Do you live in Kerala and do you want to grow your own Vegetables? Well and then you will need to follow this complete article to grow vegetables in Kerala. In this article, we will also mention all the requirements for growing vegetables in Kerala.

It’s natural to be concerned about the quality and origin of veggies. In the long run, vegetables grown with a large dose of pesticides and fertilizers have been proved to induce chronic ailments. Because of the various types of vegetables that can thrive in Kerala’s climatic conditions and well-drained soil, we also recommended creating your own vegetable terrace garden. You may grow nutritious veggies with the tiniest amount of organic fertilizer and organic manure by purchasing vegetable seeds from several grocery stores. In Kerala, there are a few veggies that you can cultivate in your home garden.

If you’re new to gardening, growing veggies in your terrace garden can be intimidating. The most popular of these vegetable kinds, on the other hand, are not only simple to grow but also suitable for small spaces. If you live in an apartment or share one with roommates, your rooftop or balcony will be large enough to produce a variety of these vegetables.

A Step By Step Guide for Growing Vegetables in Kerala and Planting Calendar of Kerala

People’s lives in cities, particularly in Kerala, have become completely chaotic, and no one has enough time to be in touch with nature. As a result, starting a garden will bring you closer to nature while also benefiting your diet, therapeutic recovery, and look. You would not only have a tranquil and refreshing time, but you would also have natural vegetables, herbs, and ingredients in your immediate area. You can either create a backyard garden or an inside balcony garden with herbs and minor veggie kinds.

Making vegetable gardens, on the other hand, is the most popular and effective pastime for novices, despite its complexity. These locations have little space and are constantly subjected to fluctuating temperatures. As a result, starting a vegetable garden and maintaining its beauty and health can feel demanding. Also, we may learn how to grow indoor vegetables in Kerala here.

Basic Things to Remember When Growing Vegetables in Kerala

• Suitable Containers

Terracotta is a popular container material since it is environmentally beneficial. If weight is an issue, a plastic or wooden planter box can be used to replace them. When selecting a container, keep drainage in mind. At least one drainage hole should be present in the container so that water may be easily drained. The size of the vegetable garden can be determined by the number of various vegetables that can be grown successfully. One square foot, or a container with a diameter of 12 cm and a height of 10 to 12 cm, is recommended for leafy greens and salads. This can support three to four vegetable plants.

A single plant can be planted in a pot and container that is 12 cm in diameter and 12 cm in height for larger vegetable plants such as Tomatoes, Chillies, and Brinjal. A maximum of 15 to 20 liters of the potting mix is required. A garden with a few different plants can be grown in ten square feet. However, there is no minimum size requirement for a vegetable garden.

• Sunlight Requirement

The majority of veggies require four to six hours of direct sunlight every day. Vegetables thrive in a location that receives six to eight hours of light every day. Salad greens are a good choice for a location that gets 2 to 4 hours of light. Container gardening is the simplest way to get started. Vegetable gardens can be started in containers on balconies and rooftops. South and west-facing balconies receive the greatest sunlight, followed by east-facing balconies. Salads and leafy greens can be planted on north-facing balconies because they only get sunshine during the summer. Tomatoes and eggplants are fruiting plants that can be grown on balconies facing south or west.

• Suitable Soil

Select a location with decent, well-drained soil that is free of rubbish or stones while growing vegetable plants in the garden. When growing vegetable plants in containers, this does not apply because the soil mix is evident to us.

• Water Requirement

Choose a spot for your garden that is close to a water source. This makes it simple to water the plants regularly. Watering the vegetable plants correctly can make a huge impact on the growth process. Watering is required for plant growth and should be done at least twice a day, ideally in the early morning and late afternoon. Water the vegetable plants thoroughly until the water runs out of the container’s bottom. Plants that are properly watered have a better chance of succeeding.

• Seed Sowing

Germination is the process of getting the seed to sprout. Seeds must be sown at the proper depth for this to happen. The general guideline is that the seeds should be buried twice as deep as they are wide. Seeds can be sown directly in the potting mix. The seeds must be exposed to sunshine as soon as they germinate; else, they will grow tall and lanky. What seeds to plant also depends on the location and time of year.

• Transplanting

Some plants can be directly sown in their final growing place, while others must be transplanted from one location to another. This is carried out for a variety of reasons. Growing seedlings in one place and transplanting healthy seedlings over a larger area when they are ready is easier for larger areas.

Seasons in Kerala to Grow Vegetables

In Kerala exotic climatic conditions and classified into three seasons  are Summer, Monsoon, and Winter season

#1 summer

The summer season, which runs from February to May, is hot and dry. Temperatures and humidity levels are high throughout these months. The optimal temperature ranges from 24°C to 33°C. The hottest months are March and April, with temperatures reaching around 33°C. Showers with lightning are sporadic, which is typical of the summer season.

#2 Monsoons

The rainy season, often known as monsoon, is the finest time to visit Kerala. This season is the best of the year, with the pleasant fragrance of damp dirt and gleaming foliage all around. If you want to see and experience Kerala’s monsoon, now is the perfect time to visit. The ideal temperature would be around 29°C during the rainy season of June and July. The monsoon season usually lasts from June to November. The monsoon season is thought to be ideal for vegetable cultivation.

#3 winters

December is the start of the winter season, which lasts through January. Kerala does not receive any rain throughout the winter season. The ideal temperature ranged from 22 to 23°C.

Vegetables to Grow in the Summer Season in Kerala

#1 Cucumber

Cucumbers are a very easy-to-grow plant that likes water and requires sunlight. Cucumbers develop quickly because they are constantly watered and kept warm. Because of its climbing ability, it may readily thrive in a small limited place. Cucumbers are not only fantastic in salads, but they also make a great sandwich stuffing. Cucumbers can be grown in different ways. Select a spot that receives plenty of natural light. Cucumbers thrive in soil that is both moist and well-drained. Cucumber seeds should be sown 1 inch deep and 2 to 3 inches apart in a row. If you just have a little amount of room or wish to grow cucumber climbers, a trellis can help. Trellising also protects the fruit from being harmed by sitting on the wet garden soil. Cucumbers thrive in temperatures between 16°C and 32°C.

#2 Pumpkins

Pumpkin is a cool-season plant that requires loamy soil that drains well and has a pH of 6.0 to 6.07. The ideal temperature for growth is between 24°C and 27°C. Between September and December, and January and March, you can sow seeds. You can harvest pumpkin in three months from the day you plant it, depending on the usage.

#3 Okra

The three main planting seasons for Okra are the monsoon and summer months of October-November and February-March. Okra requires a large amount of well-drained soil with good drainage, with a pH of 6.0 to 6.08. A regular temperature range of 24 to 27°C is required for soil to thrive. In 45 days after sowing, the plant is ready to harvest. Okra requires full sun to grow, so choose a sunny location to start your seeds. Okra seeds should be planted 12 to 1 inch deep and 12 to 18 inches apart in a row. To speed up the germination process, soak the okra seeds in lukewarm water overnight. During the growing season, keep the plants well-watered. After 2 months after seeding, the first harvest will be available; harvest the okra when it is about 2 to 3 inches tall. Pick up some fresh okra to eat raw, pickled, or stir-fried.

In case if you miss this: How To Grow Plants In Hydroponics.

#4 Bitter Gourd

Bitter gourd grows best on well-drained loamy soil with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0 and a temperature range of 25 to 30°C. The months of September through December are ideal for cultivating bitter gourd. The fruit takes 90 days to mature; however, it can be harvested at an earlier stage of growth depending on the intended use.

#5 Snake Gourd

Snake gourds are native to the tropics; therefore a similar environment is ideal for growing them. Fortunately, we are familiar with markets and produce goods there. Growing these snake gourds in the home garden is well worth the effort for those of you who live in a warmer, drier climate. If you can produce lima beans in your location, you should be able to grow snake gourds as well. Snake gourds should be harvested when they are young, roughly 40 to 50 days after sowing. The long assorted planting may be available around 16 to 18 inches, while the shorter planting will be at 6 to 8 inches.

Vegetables to Grow in the Monsoon Season in Kerala

#1 Green Chilli

The finest time to spice up your dishes, as well as to grow green chilies, is during the monsoon season. Food isn’t complete until it’s been heavily seasoned with fiery green chilies, and the greatest part is that you can simply cultivate these green chilies at home. Green chilies thrive in humid, warm weather conditions. Here’s how to grow green chilies in your own backyard. To grow your green chilies, consider a sunny site with some shade. Growing chilies in small, confined containers are even easier than growing them in the ground in your garden. Choose a 3 to 4-inch deep container with adequate drainage holes. Take good quality seeds and sow them about 1 inch deep in the container. Place the containers in a location that receives five to six hours of direct sunlight per day. Within 50 to 60 days of seeding, your green chilies will be ready to harvest if you take good care of them and water them regularly.

How about this: How To Prepare Soil For Planting In Pots.

#2 Tomatoes

Tomatoes are simple to grow, versatile in the kitchen, and nothing beats the taste of home-grown juicy tomatoes. The best time to plant tomatoes in Kerala during the rainy season is between June and August. Tomatoes enjoy being in the sun, but they need well-drained soil to thrive. Here’s one idea for how to grow tomatoes. Choose a spot that gets five to six hours of direct sunlight per day. Sow tomato seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 3 to 4 inches apart in well-drained soil. A daily dose of organic compost should be applied to the soil. Within 10 to 14 days of seeding, seedlings will appear out. The ideal temperature for tomato seed germination is between 21 and 27°C. Regardless of size, the ideal tomato for selecting will be entirely firm and bright red, with some yellow patches remaining throughout the stem area. Tomatoes come in a wide range of sizes, from tiny grape-sized varieties to huge orange-sized varieties.

You may also consider reading this: Creative Container Gardening Ideas.

#3 Spinach

Spinach is a cool-season plant that thrives in the spring and fall. It demands a sunny location and well-draining, rich soil. Plants in hotter climates will benefit from some sun shading provided by taller plants. The pH of the soil needs to be at least 6.0, but ideally, it should be between 6.5 and 7.5. Modify the seedbed with organic compost or aged manure before planting spinach. When the temperature outside is at least 7°C, sow seeds directly. In rows, space seeds 3 inches apart and 7.6 cm apart, and cover lightly with dirt. Sow a new batch of seeds every 2 to 3 weeks for suitable plantings. Sow seeds directly in the garden ground from late summer to early fall, or up to 4 to 6 weeks before the first frost date, for fall plants. Provide a row cover or cold frame if necessary to protect the plant. Planting spinach in containers is also possible. Use a container that is at least 8 inches wide and 20 centimeters deep to grow spinach in a container.

#4 Beans

After the risk of frost has passed and the well-drained soil has warmed to at least 10°C, all types of beans should be seeded. Sow seeds one inch 2.5 cm deep in maximal well-drained soil or an inch and 1/ 4 cm deep in light soil for all beans except cowpea, yard-long, and Lima. The other three types of beans need to be planted at a depth of 12 inches and 1cm in heavy soil and an inch and 2.5cm in light soil. To prevent soil crusting, cover the seeds potting mix with sand, peat, vermiculite, or organic compost. Plant bush bean seeds 2 to 4 inches apart and 5 to 10cm apart in rows 2 to 3 feet long and 61 to 91cm apart, and pole bean seeds 6 to 10 inches apart and 15 to 25cm apart in rows 3 to 4 feet long and approximately 1 meter apart. Encourage the growth of pole beans as well. Pole beans allow you to make the most of your limited space, and the beans grow straighter and are much easier to pick. Bush-type bean plants don’t need any support and they are easy to care for, and may be harvested anytime you’re ready to cook or freeze them. They usually produce an early plant as well, so repeat plantings may be necessary to ensure a continuous plant.

#5 Sweet corn

Sweet corn is a monsoon-season plant that must be planted once the well-drained soil has warmed up and the threat of frost has passed. Plant again after the first sweet corn plants have three to five leaves, if you have space. This usually takes two to three weeks. For each row, you’ll need 1 to 2 seed particles. Seeds from previous year’s sweet corn should not be used since they will not produce a nice plant. Sweet corn grows better when planted in multiple short rows rather than a single long row. This makes pollination much easier for sweet corn plants, and good pollination is required for plump, juicy kernels in sweet corn ears. The best time to gather sweet corn is early in the morning or late in the evening when the weather is cool. Hold the stem below the ear and twist the tip of the ear toward the ground until it breaks off to harvest the ears. Cook the sweet corn right now or keep it refrigerated until dinner. When sweet corn is cooked at high temperatures, it loses its flavor and nutrients quickly.

Vegetables to Grow In the Winter Season in Kerala

#1 Carrot

Carrots are a popular salad vegetable that is also incredibly easy to grow. It comes in a variety of colors, textures, shapes, and lengths, all of which differ from one another. Depending on the planter, delicious roots can be harvested 80 to 100 days after seeding. The soil should be loosened to roughly one-and-a-half times the carrots estimated length. To avoid any root hindrance, finely break the dirt.

#2 Cauliflowers

Cauliflower is a plant that grows best in the cooler months. 15 to 21°C is the ideal temperature range for growing cauliflower. Cauliflower belongs to the same family as cabbage and requires sandy to clay type loamy soil with excellent drainage and a pH of 5.5 to 6.05 to thrive. Seeds sowing can be done between September to November. Cauliflower can be harvested at the correct time in 3 to 4 months from the day of planting, depending on the usage.

#3 Onion

The onion is the most common and necessary ingredient in our kitchen, but it is becoming a source of dispute due to its exorbitant prices. We can’t even expect our kitchen to function without onion. As the plants mature and begin to create onion bulbs underground, they require warm, dry conditions. Seeds are put in direct seedbeds, and seedlings are moved into raised beds after one month. Plants require a lot of water and need to be in the sun. In 80 to 100 days after transplanting, depending on the type, onions are ready to harvest and at the right moment.

#4 Brinjal

Brinjal is the most commonly used vegetable in sambar, chutney, and curry. Brinjal is a cool-season plant that thrives in loose, well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.8. From September until October, you can plant. Brinjal harvest will occur at the appropriate time, which will be 2 to 4 months after transplantation.

You may also check this: How To Start Urban Vegetable Gardening.

#5 Cabbage

Cabbage is a plant that grows best in the cooler months. Cabbage grows best in sandy to clay loamy soil with good drainage and a pH level of 6 to 6.05. Between September and November is the best time to sow. You can harvest cabbage at the correct time in 3 to 4 months from the day of planting, depending on the consumption.

#6 Beetroot

Beets have evolved to thrive in cool-season plants. Temperatures make them excellent winter and late summer vegetables to grow. They thrive in temperatures ranging from 15 to 21°C during the day and 10 to 15°C at night. If temperatures drop below 10°C over an extended period, they may go to seed. Directly sow the seeds in the garden soil. For the best roots, they need full sun. The vegetable grows beets even if you don’t have a sunny spot in your garden since they still provide a lot of leafy greens in partial shade. When the diameter of the beetroots reaches 1 to 3 inches, you know it’s time to harvest them. Your beets should be medium in size and deep violet in color. Smaller beets should be discarded for a better taste, while large beets should be discarded for a very nice taste. To loosen up the well-drained soil, water it a few days before harvest.

Vegetable Planting Calendar in Kerala

Planting times vary depending on the type of vegetable. Summer and rainy seasons are the most common seasons in Kerala, while the winter season is also on the calendar. In comparison to European countries, most localities in Kerala have little influence during the winter season. This irregularity is observed in the vegetables grown in the state, and they differ from vegetables grown in other regions of Kerala.

It is possible to grow vegetables at the wrong time of year; plants will still bear fruit, but the yield will be lower. Let’s look at the planting seasons for common vegetables in Kerala including Spinach, Okra, Chilli, Bitter gourd, Cucumber, Pumpkin, Cauliflower, and so on.

• Broccoli Seed Germination and Selection
• Asparagus Seed Germination and Variety Selection
• Seasonal Flower Gardening: Best Practices for Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter
• How to Grow Hibiscus from Flower
• Plantation Ideas for Home Decoration: A Beginners Guide
• Flower Garden Designs and Layouts for Beginners
• Planting and Spacing Techniques in Papaya: A Beginner’s Guide
• Growing Gold: Essential Techniques for Planting Pineapples
• How to Make Kalanchoe Plant Bushy: Home Remedies and Solutions
• 11 Reasons Why Your Gardenia is Not Blooming: Home Remedies and Solutions
• Eco Elegance: The Guide to Designing a Drought-Tolerant Landscape
• Gardening on a Slope: Strategies for Hillside Landscaping
• Nourish and Flourish: Top Organic Mulches for Thriving House Plants
• Everything You Want to Know about Indian Mogra Flower: Discover Uses and Growing
• Green Thumb Success: Expert Tips for Cultivating Greenhouse Pumpkins All Year Round
• Maximize Growth & Flavor: The Ultimate Guide to Companion Planting in Herb Gardens
• How to Control Rhododendron Problems Naturally: Home Remedies and Organic Ways to Fix Them
• Natural Magic: The Remarkable Benefits of Cinnamon for Plants
• Best Steps to Revive Dying Tulip with Natural and Organic Treatment
• 10 Reasons Why Your Angel Trumpet is Not Blooming: Remedies and Treatment
• How to Fix Periwinkle Leaf and Flower-Related Problems: Natural Remedies and Solutions
• How to Fix Zinnias Leaf and Flower Problems: Discover Natural and Home Remedies
• Organic Steps to Induce Lemon Tree Flowers: A Comprehensive Guide
• Bloom Booster: Crafting the Perfect Homemade Bougainvillea Fertilizer
• Optimizing Growth: A Guide to Applying NPK Fertilizer for Potted Plants
• 10 Best Homemade Fertilizers for Rubber Plant: DIY Recipes and Application Method 
• How to Boost Female Pumpkin Flowers: Effective Steps for More Flowers and High Yields
• Transform Your Indoor Garden: Top Benefits of Pink Salt for Houseplants
• 10 Best Homemade Fertilizers for Peacock Plants (Calathea): Easy DIY Guide
• Unlock Blooms: 9 Reasons Why Your Potted Chrysanthemum is Not Blooming
• 8 Reasons Why Your Potted Hibiscus is Not Blooming: Fix it with Simple Solutions
• Unlock Blooms: 9 Key Reasons Your Potted Frangipani Won’t Flower
• 10 Reasons Why Is My Ice Plant Not Blooming: Remedies and Treatment