Regions: Central India

Roots below, usable leaves above, and it tolerates a container better than carrot.

Quick winter roots for the plains, and greens while you wait.

One good plant in a 40 cm pot out-yields four crowded ones. Stake it early.

One plant on a sill supplies a household, and crops for two years.

A long-season crop that rewards a big pot and steady feeding.

Summer staple for a sunny terrace; pick every second day or pods turn woody.

A monsoon climber that will roof a terrace in eight weeks given a frame.

Palmarosa — a scented grass of the central hills, distilled for its rose-like oil.

Ridged monsoon gourd, quick to climb and quicker to over-mature.

A sedge most people fight as a weed, though its tuber is an old perfume material.