In Dhaka and other urban areas of Bangladesh, residents often face exorbitant vegetable prices and poor-quality produce. Growing vegetables on rooftops and in yards offers a solution, providing nutritious food and saving money. The monsoon season, with its abundant rainfall and favorable temperatures, is perfect for cultivating a variety of vegetables. Let's explore ten vegetables that thrive in the monsoon season and can be easily grown in urban areas of Bangladesh.
Best Vegetables for Monsoon Gardening in Bangladesh
Bottle Gourd (Lau)
Bottle gourd, with a growing period of 60-120 days, is ideal for the monsoon season due to its rapid growth and high-water content. It is rich in fibers, vitamins C and B, calcium, and magnesium. Bottle gourd requires a sturdy trellis for support and good drainage to prevent waterlogging. As a climbing plant, it utilizes vertical space efficiently, making it perfect for terrace gardens.
Okra (Bhindi)
Okra, known for its vitamins A, K1, and C, magnesium, fiber, antioxidants, and folate, takes about two months to grow and thrives in warm, humid conditions. Ideal for the monsoon season, okra can be grown in pots or directly in the soil, requiring moderate watering and well-drained soil.
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Spinach (Palong Shak)
Spinach provides carotenoids, vitamins C and K, folic acid, iron, and calcium. It matures within 45-60 days, depending on the variety. Spinach grows quickly during the rainy season and prefers slightly shaded areas and shallow containers for cultivation. Regular harvesting of leaves encourages continuous growth, making it a reliable and nutritious addition to your monsoon garden.
Cucumber (Shosha)
Cucumbers are high in water content and contain vitamins K, C, and A, calcium, sodium, and iron. They help relieve dehydration and benefit skin health. Cucumbers are ready to harvest in 50-70 days after planting. Flourishing in the wet, warm monsoon weather, cucumbers need well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. Trellising helps save space and keeps the fruit clean and healthy.
Eggplant (Begun)
Eggplants are nutrient-rich, providing fiber, vitamins, and minerals beneficial for overall health, including heart health. They usually take 80-90 days to grow from seed. Eggplants love warmth and can be grown in large pots or garden beds. They require regular watering and well-drained soil. The plant produces beautiful purple fruits used in various culinary dishes.
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Radish (Mula)
Radishes, small yet packed with nutrients, are an excellent source of vitamin C, an antioxidant that may help combat cellular damage. High in fiber but low in calories, radishes also contain CoQ10, B vitamins, calcium, and potassium. With a growing period of 55-60 days, radishes need well-drained soil and regular watering. Both the roots and leaves are edible and nutritious.
Flat Beans (Sheem)
Flat beans are rich in proteins, fiber, and vitamins A, K, and C. Regular consumption can help lower blood sugar levels. Flat beans take 16 to 20 weeks to reach maturity and thrive in the humid monsoon climate. They can be grown in containers or directly in the ground, needing support for climbing varieties and consistent moisture.
Bitter Gourd (Korola)
Despite its bitter taste, bitter gourd is celebrated as a superfood due to its numerous health benefits. It is low in calories but enriched with essential nutrients, including vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, magnesium, folic acid, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, iron, and high dietary fiber.
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Bitter gourd thrives in the monsoon season, requiring a trellis for climbing and benefits from regular harvesting to promote more fruit production. It takes about 55-60 days from seed sowing to the first harvest.
Tomato
Tomatoes are a rich source of essential nutrients, including vitamins C and K, potassium, folate, and antioxidants.
They thrive during the monsoon season but require protection from excessive rain to avoid fungal diseases. Growing tomatoes under a roof or using stakes for support helps maintain healthy plants and promotes fruitful yields. With a growing period of 90-110 days, tomatoes are a valuable addition to your monsoon garden.
Coriander (Dhonepata)
Coriander leaves are an exceptional source of vitamins A and C, offering other essential nutrients like dietary fiber, iron, manganese, calcium, vitamin K, and phosphorus.
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Coriander grows abundantly during the rainy season in slightly shaded areas with well-drained soil. Regular trimming stimulates bushier growth and extends the harvest period. Coriander typically matures within 40-45 days, adding ornamental beauty and nutritional value to your garden.
