Plant library
What can I grow now?
22 plants can be sown in October in Central India. Narrow it further by space, goal or region — or step through the months below.
A short sharp monsoon on black cotton soil, then a dry winter. Water-holding soil, water-scarce year.
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AjwainअजवाइनTrachyspermum ammiA winter annual of the north-west, grown for the thyme-scented seed.BathuaबथुआChenopodium albumThe winter weed worth sowing — mineral-rich leaves through the cold months.BeetrootचुकंदरBeta vulgarisRoots below, usable leaves above, and it tolerates a container better than carrot.CarrotगाजरDaucus carotaNeeds depth more than width — a 30 cm trough of loose soil beats a wide bed.ChickpeaचनाCicer arietinumA winter pulse that also gives the sour green leaf of the north.CorianderधनियाCoriandrum sativumBolts in heat, thrives in the cool months. Sow every fortnight for a steady supply.FennelसौंफFoeniculum vulgareFeathery winter foliage, then umbels that hoverflies and small wasps work all day.Field BeanसेमLablab purpureusThe winter sem of the plains, purple-flowered and heavy-cropping on a fence.French Beanफ्रेंच बीनPhaseolus vulgarisBush beans for winter troughs; pole kinds for a balcony net.GarlicलहसुनAllium sativumPlant single cloves in October and lift whole bulbs in March.
Indian AloeघृतकुमारीAloe veraNear-indestructible succulent for a bright sill; water only when the soil is dry through.KalonjiकलौंजीNigella sativaFine blue-white flowers over ferny leaves, then the black seed of the spice box.
MarigoldगेंदाTagetes erectaCompanion-planting workhorse: keeps nematodes down and feeds bees all season.MethiमेथीTrigonella foenum-graecumSow thickly in a wide tray and cut the whole crop at three weeks.Mustard GreensसरसोंBrassica junceaPeppery leaves in five weeks, and yellow flowers for the bees after.Onionप्याज़Allium cepaGrown from sets or seedlings; needs depth, sun and patience.