Here’s How You Can Grow Ridge Gourd, Bottle Gourd & Bitter Gourd At Home This Monsoon

Last Updated:July 19, 2025, 14:08 IST

Even without a farm, you can grow vegetables like ridge gourd, bottle gourd, bitter gourd, and sem at home. All you need is a little space, care, and the right method

The monsoon season is perfect for growing various vegetables at home, even with limited space. Home gardening not only ensures a steady supply of fresh and chemical-free produce but also provides a sense of satisfaction and a connection with nature. These homegrown vegetables thrive in the rainy season and taste so fresh that you might not miss market produce at all.

Ridge Gourd (Turai)

Ridge gourd is in demand almost all year round. To grow it at home, start with good quality seeds. Sow them in 2-3 inch deep holes in a pot or grow bag, keeping a distance of 4-6 inches between each seed. Cover the seeds with soil and water lightly. Sandy loam soil works best for growing ridge gourd; you can mix in sand and organic manure, such as cow dung.

The soil should remain slightly moist, but not soggy. When the plant is small, watering once a day is sufficient. As it grows, you can water more deeply but less frequently.

Ridge gourd plants need support to grow, so placing a sturdy stick or bamboo for the vine to climb is helpful. Typically, the vegetable is ready in 60–70 days. Harvest when the gourd is green and slightly spongy.

Spiny Gourd (Kantola)

Kantola can also be grown easily during the monsoon. To grow this vegetable, sow seeds about 2 cm deep in pots or directly in the ground. Maintain a distance of 70–80 cm between each plant. Rainwater provides sufficient moisture during this season, so daily watering may not be needed. The vegetable is usually ready to harvest within 70 to 80 days.

Bottle Gourd (Lauki)

Bottle gourd is among the easiest vegetables to grow at home. A small space or pot is sufficient. During the monsoon, the moist soil helps the seed germinate naturally without much watering. Once the plant begins to grow, you can support it using a wooden stick or similar prop. With time and care, the plant will begin to bear fruit.

Bitter Gourd (Karela)

Bitter gourd follows a similar growing method as ridge gourd, spiny gourd, or bottle gourd. Choose good seeds, provide support for the vine, and ensure the soil stays slightly moist. The plant thrives well in the monsoon climate.

Hyacinth Beans (Sem)

Hyacinth beans are another easy option to grow and can be cultivated year-round. This vegetable is also quite nutritious. All you need are fresh seeds from the market or from a farmer, and moist soil. After sowing, the seeds sprout in a few days, and fruits appear in time.

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