With rising concerns over chemical-laced vegetables in the market, more people are turning to home gardening to ensure healthier eating. While most produce today contains preservatives or is stored unnaturally to prolong availability, growing seasonal vegetables at home can offer fresh, toxin-free alternatives.

Even if you don’t have a garden, many summer vegetables can be easily grown in pots right on your balcony or terrace. This not only gives you access to fresh vegetables but also helps you avoid consuming harmful pesticides and chemicals.

Before consuming store-bought vegetables, it's always a good idea to wash them thoroughly—soaking them in a solution of baking soda and salt water can help remove surface chemicals and bacteria.

Let’s take a look at some easy-to-grow vegetables perfect for summer pot gardening:

1. Green Chillies

Green chilli plants thrive in pots and are quite low-maintenance.

• Use a pot with good width and depth for better root growth.
• Ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot.
• You’ll begin to see green chillies appear within 50 to 55 days after planting.

2. Bitter Gourd (Karela)

This nutrient-rich summer vegetable is known for its cooling properties.

• Bitter gourd grows well as a vine, so choose a pot and support system like a stick or balcony railing for it to climb.
• It's both decorative and functional, making it great for small spaces.

3. Mint and Coriander

Both herbs are excellent for digestion and widely used in summer dishes.

• You can grow them in recycled containers or tubs.
• Simply take store-bought mint and coriander with roots, place the leftover root ends in water, and let them sprout.
• Once new growth appears, transfer them to the soil.

4. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are another summer-friendly plant that you can grow in pots.

• Choose a location with moderate sunlight—not too harsh.
• Seeds sprout in 8 to 10 days, and the plant starts yielding tomatoes in about 45 days.
• Avoid placing the pot in direct intense sunlight as it can dry out the plant.

Final Tip:

Growing your own vegetables isn’t just a healthy choice—it’s also deeply satisfying. Start with one or two plants and expand as you gain confidence. Not only will you enjoy fresh, homegrown produce, but you’ll also contribute to a cleaner and safer food habit for your family.