The cool season is the best time for a kitchen garden in Pakistan. While summer heat makes many vegetables and leafy greens bolt or burn, the days from October to February are mild and ideal for fresh greens in pots on a balcony or terrace. Here is how to begin.
What to grow in winter
- Coriander (dhania): fast and very useful. You can pick leaves after about three to five weeks.
- Fenugreek (methi): sprouts in days and gives leaves in about three to four weeks.
- Spinach (palak): a leafy green that can be picked a few times. First leaves in about four to six weeks.
- Radish (mooli): ready in about five to seven weeks, in a deep pot.
- Spring onion: easy to grow from seed or from the cut base of onions.
- Salad leaves, such as lettuce and rocket: quick and tender.
- Peas (matar): a climber that needs a support and a sunny spot.
- Mint: a hardy herb, and best in its own pot. See our guide to herbs on a kitchen windowsill.
The times given are rough guides and depend on the weather and the variety.
Choose the right pots
- Leafy greens such as coriander, methi and spinach: pots or trays about 15 to 20 centimetres deep.
- Radish and carrot: deeper pots, about 25 to 30 centimetres.
- Every pot needs drainage holes.
- A long, wide tray or window box is a good way to grow many greens in a small space.
Soil
Use light, rich soil with plenty of compost. A mix of two parts potting mix or cocopeat to one part compost and one part sand works well. Our guide on potting soil and fertiliser has more recipes.
Sunlight
Most vegetables and herbs need at least four to six hours of sun. In the short days of smog and fog, choose your brightest spot. Leafy greens, such as spinach and coriander, also grow well in partial shade.
Sowing and care
- Sprinkle the seeds, or place them in rows, and cover them lightly with soil.
- Keep the soil moist, never soaked, until they sprout.
- Thin the seedlings if they are crowded. Give each plant space to grow.
- Water in the morning, and check the soil with your finger first.
- Feed with diluted compost tea or liquid fertiliser every two to three weeks. Leafy greens like nitrogen.
- Sow a new batch every two weeks so that you always have something to pick.
Protect from frost
In very cold spells, cover your pots at night with a light cloth, or move them next to a wall. Read our guide on how to protect plants from winter cold.
Harvesting
- Pick the outer leaves first, and let the centre of the plant keep growing.
- Pick in the morning, when leaves are crisp.
- Do not take more than about a third of the leaves at one time.
Pests
Cool-season plants can attract aphids, which are small insects that cluster on new growth. Rinse them off with water, or wipe them away. Check the plants every few days.
Start small
Begin with two or three pots, such as coriander, methi and mint, and add more as you learn. You will soon enjoy the taste of fresh leaves from your own balcony. You can find herbs and flowers in our herbs section, and matching planters to make the corner look good.
Sowing calendar by month
These are rough guides for Punjab. Adjust a little for your city and weather.
- October: coriander, fenugreek (methi), spinach, radish and lettuce.
- November: the same crops, plus peas, spring onion and mustard greens (sarson).
- December and January: keep sowing leafy greens, and protect pots from frost.
- February: a last sowing of coriander and spinach, and time to start warm-season plants such as chillies in trays.
Compost your kitchen scraps
Compost is the best food for pots, and you can make it from kitchen waste.
- Keep a bin or a large pot with holes and a lid.
- Add vegetable peelings, tea leaves, coffee grounds and crushed eggshells (the greens).
- Mix in dry leaves, shredded paper or cardboard (the browns). Use about two parts browns to one part greens.
- Do not add meat, fish, oil or dairy, because they smell and attract pests.
- Turn it once a week and keep it as damp as a wrung-out sponge.
- In two to three months you will have dark, crumbly compost to mix into your pots.
Our soil and fertiliser guide shows how to use it.
Common problems
- Seeds that do not sprout: the seed may be old, or the soil is too dry or too cold. Use fresh seed and keep the soil lightly moist.
- Plants that run to seed quickly (bolting): coriander and spinach do this in warm weather. Sow them in the cool months.
- Yellow leaves: usually too much water, or a lack of nutrients. Check the soil and feed lightly.
- Birds and pigeons pecking the seedlings: cover the pots with a net or a mesh until the plants are big enough.
- Aphids: rinse them off with water.
Cooking with your harvest
- Coriander: fresh chutney, or as a garnish on curries and salads.
- Fenugreek: in parathas and curries.
- Spinach: in saag and pakoras.
- Mint: in chai, raita and drinks.
- Radish: in salads and parathas.
Questions people ask
Can I use plastic containers?
Yes, as long as they have drainage holes and are deep enough for the crop.
How much sun do I need?
At least four to six hours for most crops. Leafy greens also grow in partial shade.
How much can I harvest at once?
Take the outer leaves and leave the centre. Do not take more than about a third of the plant at one time.
Can I use seeds from last year?
Old seeds often sprout poorly. Buy fresh seed that is meant for the cool season.
If you need help, call or WhatsApp us on 03128018787.