Question 1

Which leafy greens grow fastest on an Indian balcony?

Accepted Answer

Methi (fenugreek) is the fastest, ready to harvest in 20-25 days. Radish greens and coriander follow at 30 and 40 days respectively. All three are ideal starter crops because they give you a quick win and build your watering and care instincts before you move to slower crops.

Question 2

Can I grow leafy greens year-round in Mumbai?

Accepted Answer

With the right crop selection, yes. Spinach and coriander thrive in Rabi (October-March). Amaranth and sweet potato greens handle the hot Zaid season (March-June). Spinach and methi return in the monsoon (July-September). There is always at least one leafy green that suits the current weather.

Question 3

Why does my coriander bolt and flower so quickly without producing many leaves?

Accepted Answer

Bolting is triggered by temperatures above 28-30°C and by long daylight hours. Sow coriander in October-February for the best results in India. If you must grow it in summer, choose a slow-bolt variety and provide afternoon shade. Once it bolts, let it flower and seed — you can use those seeds as your next planting.

Question 4

What depth of pot do leafy greens need?

Accepted Answer

Most leafy greens have shallow root systems and do well in containers just 6-8 inches deep. The priority is width, not depth — a 12-inch wide, 6-inch deep pot fits more plants and produces more per square foot than a narrow, deep pot. This is why old wooden crates or wide plastic trays work surprisingly well.

Question 5

How do I harvest leafy greens so the plant keeps producing?

Accepted Answer

Always use the cut-and-come-again method. Use scissors to cut the outer leaves 1-2 inches above the soil, leaving the central growing point untouched. Never pull the whole plant unless it has bolted. With this technique, one spinach planting gives 4-6 harvests over 8-10 weeks rather than a single harvest.

Question 6

My leafy greens taste bitter. What am I doing wrong?

Accepted Answer

Bitterness in leafy greens has three main causes: growing in the wrong season (too much heat), harvesting too late after the plant has bolted, or growing in nutrient-poor soil. Stick to cool-season crops in Rabi, harvest young leaves regularly, and feed with vermicompost once a month. Well-nourished, cool-grown greens are always sweeter.

Growing Leafy Greens at Home in India: The Complete Beginner's Guide

Growing Leafy Greens at Home in India: The Complete Beginner's Guide