The best time to start your kitchen garden is now: What to plant this monsoon for fresher meals

The monsoon isn’t just a season of rain and chai, it's also the perfect time to get your hands dirty and grow a herb garden of your own. Whether you have a spacious yard, a balcony, or just a few windowsills, this is the right time to plant herbs that will brighten your kitchen and elevate your cooking. The abundant moisture and relatively cooler temperatures of the season help many herbs sprout and thrive with minimal effort.

Here’s your guide to what to plant now, how to care for them, and why your kitchen will thank you.

What to plant during the monsoon season

Outdoor-friendly herbs

• Coriander (Dhaniya): Easy to grow from seeds. Sow them directly in moist, well-drained soil. Coriander loves the rain and grows fast.
• Mint (Pudina): Thrives in damp conditions. Plant cuttings in containers or garden beds. Keep in a partly shaded area.
• Ginger and turmeric: Plant rhizomes in grow bags or large pots. They grow slowly but steadily through the season.
• Curry leaves (Kariveppu): Prefers full sun but benefits from monsoon rain. Plant in a large pot or ground with space to grow.

Herbs suited for indoor or balcony gardens

• Basil (including tulsi and sweet basil): Needs warmth and filtered light. Avoid soggy soil by using pots with proper drainage.
• Parsley: Slow to germinate but grows well in cool, moist weather. Keep in a spot with morning light.
• Chives and spring onions: Can be grown from kitchen scraps or seeds. Ideal for window boxes and shallow pots.
• Thyme and oregano: Prefer loose, dry soil. Water only when the top layer is dry. Place near a window with good light.

How to plant and care for herbs during monsoon

1. Ensure good drainage
   Herbs do not tolerate standing water. Use pots with drainage holes or raised beds filled with a mix of garden soil, compost, and cocopeat.
2. Use organic compost
   Add compost or aged manure to boost soil fertility. Kitchen waste compost works well too.
3. Watch sunlight and placement
   Most herbs need at least three hours of light a day. Use east- or south-facing windows for indoor herbs. Outdoors, avoid full shade.
4. Protect from pests
   High humidity can attract aphids, snails, and fungal infections. Spray neem oil or diluted soap water once a week as a natural deterrent.
5. Harvest regularly
   Pluck leaves often to encourage growth and delay flowering. Pruning helps herbs stay lush and full.

How to use these herbs in your kitchen

• Coriander and mint: Use in chutneys, marinades, infused water, and garnishes. They pair well with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.
• Basil and tulsi: Sweet basil works in Italian and Thai recipes, while tulsi makes a comforting tea or immunity drink.
• Parsley and oregano: Enhance soups, pasta, roasts, and sandwich spreads. Use fresh or dry them for later use.
• Curry leaves: Essential in south Indian tempering. Add to dals, curries, and breakfast dishes like upma or poha.
• Chives and spring onion greens: Chop and add to omelets, noodles, fried rice, and dips.

Why start now
The monsoon gives your herbs a natural head start. The rain softens the soil and reduces your watering duties. The cloudy days are gentle on new saplings, and the air is rich with life. If you have ever thought of growing your own herbs, this season is your best opportunity to begin. All you need is a few pots, some seeds or cuttings, and a little care.

Your food will thank you for it.