Question 1

How do I start a kitchen garden if I have never grown anything before?

Accepted Answer

Start with three pots, two soil inputs (cocopeat and vermicompost), and one forgiving crop — coriander or radish. Spend two weeks just learning how often your specific balcony needs water. Once that first batch succeeds, expand. Most people fail because they start with too many plants, not too few.

Question 2

What is the best soil mix for a kitchen garden in India?

Accepted Answer

Mix 50% cocopeat, 40% vermicompost, and 10% regular garden soil or compost. This combination drains well, holds just enough moisture, and provides balanced nutrition. Never use pure garden soil in pots — it compacts into a brick and suffocates roots within weeks.

Question 3

How much does it cost to set up a basic kitchen garden in Mumbai?

Accepted Answer

A functional starter setup of 5-6 containers costs ₹800-1500 total. Grow bags (₹20-40 each), cocopeat (₹150-200 for 5 kg), vermicompost (₹100-150 for 5 kg), and seed packets (₹10-30 each). You can grow high-value herbs and greens that offset this cost within one to two harvests.

Question 4

Can I grow a kitchen garden if my balcony gets only 3-4 hours of sun?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you need to choose shade-tolerant crops. Coriander, mint, spinach, methi, and spring onions all produce well with 3-4 hours of morning sun. Avoid tomatoes, peppers, and root vegetables in low-light conditions — they need 6+ hours to thrive.

Question 5

How do I avoid overwatering my kitchen garden pots?

Accepted Answer

Before you water, push your finger 2 inches into the soil. If it feels moist, skip watering. Water only when those top 2 inches are dry. Ensure every container has drainage holes and that water runs out freely within 60 seconds. Overwatering — not underwatering — kills most balcony plants.

Question 6

What should I grow first in a kitchen garden in October?

Accepted Answer

October is the best time to start in India. Plant coriander (harvest in 40 days), radish (30 days), spinach (40 days), and methi (25 days). All four are Rabi season crops that grow easily through winter. By December you will have a continuous rotation of fresh kitchen herbs and greens.

How to Start a Kitchen Garden on Your Balcony in India

How to Start a Kitchen Garden on Your Balcony in India