Plant library
What can I grow now?
23 plants can be sown in October in West India. Narrow it further by space, goal or region — or step through the months below.
Heavy coastal monsoon, mild winters. Drainage matters more here than watering.
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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.
ChameliचमेलीJasminum grandiflorumThe Spanish jasmine of the perfume trade, grown widely in the north and west.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.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.Nasturtiumजलकुंभी फूलTropaeolum majusEdible flowers and leaves, and a magnet that pulls aphids off your vegetables.Onionप्याज़Allium cepaGrown from sets or seedlings; needs depth, sun and patience.PalakपालकSpinacia oleraceaCut-and-come-again greens ready in six weeks from a shallow trough.