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How to Set Up a Summer Kitchen Garden in 7 Days (Beginner Friendly Guide)
Summer in India is intense — but it’s also the perfect time to grow a kitchen garden that gives you fresh vegetables, herbs, and a pocket of green peace right at home. Whether you live in a city apartment or a house with a backyard, starting a kitchen garden is easier than you think.
This 7-day plan is specially designed for beginners, with simple steps, minimal investment, and practical techniques that work in Indian summers.
🗓️ 7-Day Step-by-Step Guide
📅 Day 1: Choose Your Gardening Space & Observe Sunlight
Start by selecting a space that receives at least 5-6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
This could be:
- A south- or west-facing balcony
- Your rooftop or terrace
- A sunny kitchen window or small backyard
💡 Tip: Place a bowl of water and observe the shadow over the day — this helps you know how much sun the area receives.
Also Read This : 5 Natural Ways to Keep Your Plants Cool in Indian Heat
📅 Day 2: Pick Your Summer-Friendly Plants
Start with easy-to-grow, heat-tolerant vegetables and herbs.
✅ Vegetables:
- Tomato– grows well in pots
- Okra (Bhindi) – heat-loving and productive
- Cucumber – fast-growing climber
- Amaranth (Chaulai) – leafy and nutritious
- Chilli & Brinjal – perfect for summer dishes
✅ Herbs:
- Mint (Pudina) – thrives in shade too
- Basil (Tulsi/Sweet Basil)
- Coriander (Dhaniya) – a must for garnishing
- Curry Leaves (Kadi Patta)
💡 Pro Tip: Grow what you love to eat!
Also Read This : Top 10 Balcony Plants for Indian Summers (Low Maintenance & Beautiful)
📅 Day 3: Gather Your Supplies
Make a simple starter kit:
- Containers/Pots: 6-10 inch deep pots or grow bags
- Potting Mix: Garden soil + compost + cocopeat (in 2:1:1 ratio)
- Seeds or Saplings: Buy from a trusted local nursery or online
- Basic Tools: Trowel, gloves, spray bottle, and watering can
♻️ Bonus: Use old buckets, milk crates, or paint cans as upcycled pots!
Also Read This : Gardening in April: What to Plant and How to Care (India Seasonal Guide)
📅 Day 4: Prepare Your Soil & Sow the Seeds
Good soil = healthy plants. Mix your potting mix thoroughly.
- Fill pots, leaving 1 inch from the top
- Sow seeds ½ inch deep
- Cover with a thin layer of soil
- Mist or water gently
👉 Keep in semi-shade for 2–3 days until seeds sprout.
💡 Labeling tip: Use popsicle sticks or old spoons with plant names written on them.
Also Read This : No-Dig Gardening: Grow More by Doing Less
📅 Day 5: Water & Sun Care Routine
- Water every morning or late evening
- Avoid afternoon watering to prevent root shock
- Touch the soil—only water if the top 1 inch feels dry
🏖️ For extra hot regions: Use shade netting between 12–3 PM.
