5 Easy-to-Grow Vegetables for the Rainy Season
5 Easy-to-Grow Vegetables for the Rainy Season
Welcome to the rainy season. This time of year brings daily showers that make everything fresh and green after months of blazing sun. But with rain coming down so often, going out to eat can be inconvenient, and getting soaked regularly puts you at risk of catching a cold. So why not take up a trendy new activity this rainy season, growing your own vegetables? It’s a great way to make good use of your free time, and you’ll also have safe, chemical-free food while saving money.
In the rainy season, there are many vegetables that are great for planting. They’re easy to grow and not too difficult to take care of, whether you live in a house or a condo. Best of all, when you grow them yourself, you can be sure they’re free from chemical residues. So, what vegetables are perfect for this season? Let’s take a look!
Bird's eye chili
Let’s start with the fiery kick of bird’s eye chili (Thai chili). No matter what dish you add it to, it packs a punch. Its intense spiciness is the reason behind the saying that no matter how hot it is, you just can’t stop eating.
How to grow
Bird’s eye chili grows well in almost any soil, but the best is sandy loam that drains easily. If you live in a condo, you can grow it in pots. Water in the morning and evening, and make sure it gets plenty of sunlight. Harvesting takes about 60–90 days. It’s better to pick the fruits individually rather than harvesting the whole cluster, since the chilies on each cluster don’t ripen at the same time.
Benefits
Reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Helps prevent scurvy.
Helps prevent hardening of the arteries.
Acts as a natural diuretic.
Reduces the risk of heart disease.
Reduces risk of clogged arteries, heart attack.
Supports digestion and makes bowel movements easier.
Reduces the risk of colon cancer.
🔖 medthai (data as of 05/08/16)
🔖 prinsiri (data as of 24/07/20)
🔖 baanlaesuan (data as of 18/06/20)
Coriander
“Sprinkling coriander on top” may sound like an insult in Thai idioms, but when it comes to food, coriander leaves really do make dishes look and taste more appealing. Though it has a distinct aroma, once you get used to it, you’ll find it adds a unique savory flavor and pairs well with many menus.
How to grow
Coriander is very easy to grow. Start by crushing the seeds lightly, then soak them in water for about 3 hours. Dry them out and mix with sand or ash until they start sprouting. Then plant them in pots, cover lightly with straw, and water thoroughly in the morning and evening but be careful not to let water stagnate. Give them a little gentle sunlight, and in about 30–45 days, they’ll be ready to harvest.
Benefits
- Contains antioxidants.
- Helps fight bacteria and fungi.
- Supports healthy stomach and intestinal function.
- Lowers blood sugar and reduces cancer risk.
- Good for eye health and helps reduce inflammation.
🔖 kapook (data as of 06/04/22)
🔖 hd (data as of 17/11/21)
Tomato
Growing your own bright red tomatoes doesn’t just give you something healthy to eat, they also look gorgeous in photos for your social media when they’re in season. If you want a vegetable that’s simple to grow, edible, and photogenic, tomatoes are the perfect choice.
How to grow
Tomatoes are best planted at the end of the rainy season. To start, leave the soil to dry for about 7–10 days, then mix it with manure or compost. Sow the seeds and cover with another thin layer of manure or compost. You can grow them in pots or directly in the ground. Water thoroughly straight away and place them in a sunny spot that gets full light all day. Water every 7–10 days. After 70–90 days, they’ll be ready to harvest.
Benefits
- Reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
- Helps prevent scurvy.
- Helps prevent hardening of the arteries.
- Acts as a natural diuretic.
- Reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Reduces risk of clogged arteries, heart attack.
- Supports digestion and makes bowel movements easier.
- Reduces the risk of colon cancer.
🔖 medthai (data as of 24/07/20)
🔖 farmermee (data as of 24/07/20)
🔖 baania (data as of 18/06/20)
Water spinach
Water spinach is a leafy green well known for its benefits to eye health. If you struggle with your eyesight, it’s worth planting. Another advantage is that it grows quickly, ready to harvest in only about 10 days.
How to grow
Water spinach is best grown at the end of the rainy season and thrives in all types of soil. Start by watering the soil thoroughly, then scatter the seeds in the evening. Cover lightly with dry straw. Keep the soil moist, but avoid both drought and waterlogging. It’s best to set up a net or shade to protect the plants from strong sun and heavy rain. Water twice a day, morning and evening.
Benefits
- Contains beta carotene to support healthy eyesight.
- Antioxidants help slow ageing and reduce wrinkles.
- Reduces the risk of cancer.
- Helps prevent stomach ulcers.
- Helps prevent constipation and cleans waste from the intestines.
- Acts as a diuretic and helps with yellow urine.
🔖 medthai (data as of 05/08/16)
🔖 sentangsedtee (data as of 17/04/22)
🔖 kapook (data as of 16/07/21)
Chinese kale
The must-have dish is crispy pork with kale! But making crispy pork at home can be a bit tricky, and eating too much of it could lead to weight gain. So why not just grow the kale yourself and buy the crispy pork later as a side? Even though kale is a short-lived plant, it’s worth growing because it’s highly nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals. Both the stems and leaves can be used in a variety of dishes.
How to Grow
You can use potting soil for growing kale. Line the bottom of the pot with coir, then mix loamy soil with compost or manure and fill the pot (but not to the very top). Drop the kale seeds in, and seedlings should sprout in about 7 days. Water regularly, morning and evening, and keep the pot in a place with sufficient sunlight. Add compost and manure every 2 weeks. After about 20 days, the kale will be ready to harvest.
Benefits
- Strengthens the immune system.
- Supports healthy eyesight.
- Strengthens bones.
- Nourishes the blood and prevents anemia.
- Improves skin health and boosts collagen.
- Aids digestion and lowers the risk of cancer.
🔖 farmermee (data as of 24/07/20)
🔖 thaiquote (data as of 01/09/21)
All of these are just examples of vegetables suitable for planting in the rainy season. There are many more that provide great benefits for our bodies. For beginners, it’s a good idea to start with vegetables you already enjoy eating often and try planting those first. If you grow them in the right season, you can be sure you’ll have fresh, clean, chemical-free produce, while also saving money. Along with eating well, don’t forget to take care of your health overall. The rainy season can make us more prone to illness compared to other times of the year. So, it’s important to be prepared. Regular health check-ups are a must, and buying health insurance while you’re still in good health can give you added peace of mind. If you already have it, you’ll feel even more reassured.
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