Seasons: Monsoon

A four-angled pod from the north-east and the coasts — every part is edible.

A shrubby pulse that stands two years, fixes nitrogen and shelters small birds.

A thick-leaved climbing spinach that thrives in the worst of the monsoon heat.

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.

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

A tough climber that fruits through the worst humidity of the year.