What to Plant This Monsoon: Six Rain-Loving Plants for Easy Gardening

The monsoon season brings more than just relief from the heat—it’s also an ideal time to start or revive a home garden. The combination of regular rainfall, cooler temperatures, and high humidity creates perfect conditions for certain plants to thrive. However, not all greenery is rain-friendly, and choosing the right varieties can help avoid water-logging, rot, and pest issues.

Here are six easy-to-grow plants that flourish in the monsoon:

1. Hibiscus

A common sight in Indian gardens, hibiscus is known for its vibrant blooms in red, pink, and yellow. It prefers rich, well-drained soil and partial sunlight. If grown in pots, ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Add compost and prune the plant at the start of the monsoon to encourage flowering. Watch for pests like aphids and treat them with neem oil if necessary.

2. Water Spinach (Kangkung)

Popular in eastern and southern India, water spinach is a fast-growing leafy green rich in iron. It grows easily from seeds or cuttings and thrives in moist, water-retaining soil. Regular harvesting of its leaves encourages fresh growth.

3. Turmeric

A kitchen staple, turmeric grows best in the rainy season. Plant fresh turmeric roots in loose, compost-rich soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and use mulch to maintain warmth. The plant typically takes 7 to 9 months to mature, and is ready for harvest once the leaves turn yellow.

4. Colocasia (Arbi)

This plant loves wet conditions and can even tolerate water-logged soil. Its large leaves and underground corms grow well in clay-rich, shaded areas. Plant tubers about 10–15 cm deep. Snails and caterpillars may be an issue, but garlic spray can help deter them.

5. Ferns

Ideal for shaded balconies or indoor corners, ferns thrive in humid monsoon air. Use soil enriched with coco peat or leaf mould, and avoid direct sunlight. Mist the leaves regularly and ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal infections.

6. Amaranth (Chaulai)

A nutrient-rich leafy vegetable, amaranth is packed with iron and calcium. Sow seeds in well-aerated, compost-rich soil. Thin out seedlings for healthy growth and harvest the leaves every 2–3 weeks. Avoid watering the foliage directly to prevent fungal problems.

Monsoon Gardening Tips:

• Ensure proper drainage in pots or beds to avoid water stagnation.
• Use mulch to retain moisture and suppress weed growth.
• Watch out for monsoon pests and fungal diseases; neem oil or wood ash can be effective remedies.
• Regularly remove fallen leaves to prevent infections.

With the right selection of plants and a few precautions, gardening during the monsoon can be simple, rewarding, and lush.