Question 1

How do I start vegetable gardening as a complete beginner in India?

Accepted Answer

Start with five containers, two soil inputs (cocopeat and vermicompost), and three crops: coriander, methi, and radish. These three give you results within 25-45 days, teach you the basic watering rhythm, and cost under ₹500 to set up. Build skills and confidence here before expanding to fruiting vegetables like tomatoes and chillies.

Question 2

What is the single most important thing I need to grow vegetables successfully?

Accepted Answer

Sunlight. Most vegetables need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce well. Before choosing crops, spend 2-3 days tracking where your balcony gets the most direct sun. Place your most productive crops — tomatoes, chillies, peppers, root vegetables — in your sunniest spots. No fertiliser or technique compensates for insufficient light.

Question 3

How do I know if I am watering my vegetables correctly?

Accepted Answer

Before watering, push your finger 2 inches into the soil. Water only if the top 2 inches are dry. Every container should have drainage holes that allow water to run out freely within 60 seconds of watering. Overwatering — not underwatering — is the most common cause of vegetable plant death on Indian balconies.

Question 4

Do I need to fertilise my vegetable containers?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but simply. Container soil depletes faster than ground soil because nutrients wash out with watering. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vermicompost to each pot once a month as a top-dress. When fruiting vegetables (tomatoes, chillies, brinjal) start flowering, add bone meal to support fruit development. Avoid chemical fertilisers for beginners — they are easy to overuse and cause more harm than good.

Question 5

What vegetables grow well on a north-facing balcony with limited sun?

Accepted Answer

Mint, coriander, spinach, methi, and spring onions all grow productively with 3-4 hours of indirect or morning sun. Avoid fruiting vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, brinjal, cucumbers) in low-light conditions — they need 6+ hours. Focus your north-facing balcony on herbs and leafy greens where the light is enough for genuine productivity.

Question 6

When is the best time of year to start vegetable gardening in India?

Accepted Answer

October is the best month to start. It marks the beginning of the Rabi season — India's most forgiving growing window. Temperatures are cooling down, humidity is dropping after the monsoon, and the widest range of vegetables grows well from October through February. If you start in October and follow basic guidance, your first harvest arrives by November.

Vegetable Gardening in India: A Practical Guide for Balcony and Home Gardens

Vegetable Gardening in India: A Practical Guide for Balcony and Home Gardens