Urban gardening is becoming a popular trend in India, and for good reason. Since the space is limited in metropolitan cities, people often find creative gardening solutions to maximise their limited areas. One of the most impeccable ways to make the most of vertical space is by growing climbing vegetables.
Since the climbers require some support to grow, with vertical support, they can be trained to grow in an upward direction. This way you would not need a large area of land to grow fruits or vegetables in your home garden. So, whether you have a small balcony or a large terrace, climbing vegetables are the best add-ons to your home garden.
Bottle Gourd
Bottle gourd, also known as lauki or dudhi, is a staple vegetable in many Indian kitchens. Since it thrives in a warm climate and requires continuous sunshine, a typical Indian home garden would be perfect to plant it. With well-draining soil and regular watering, you can enjoy the light and hydrating flavours of bottle gourd in just 60-70 days.
Bitter Gourd
Also known as Karela, bitter gourd is another vegetable that is popularly valued in Indian cuisine for its medicinal properties. The ideal temperature for growing bitter gourd is around 25-35°C, which means you can plant it anytime the harsh summer season is over. Just remember to add compost or organic manure to reap the benefits of karela in about 3 months after planting the climbing vegetable.
Spinach
As you would already know, spinach or palak is a green leafy vegetable which is praised for its iron content. To get the best produce you can plant the fast-growing climbing vegetable in your home garden. With supports like bamboo stakes, spinach can grow up to ten feet and that too just within 60 days of planting it. You can then enjoy it as a salad, sandwich, or best of all, palak paneer.
Peas
Peas, also known as matar is another green vegetable that is highly versatile. While you can get frozen peas anytime from the store next door, you can get sweet peas by planting the climber in your kitchen garden. Not only is the vegetable healthy for you, but being a nitrogen fixer, it will benefit greatly by making the soil more fertile than ever.
Also Read: How To Grow Peas In A Container At Home
Cucumber
Kheera, or cucumber is a water-rich vegetable that can be used in a salad bowl, slushie, raita, or as a filling for a quick sandwich. You can grow this climbing vegetable when the temperature is around 25-30°C. Just water regularly, fertilise and keep pruning, and you will spot healthy cucumbers growing within about 50 days of planting.