Save money and eat fresh: 5 vegetables to grow in containers at home

July 12, 2025 by News Desk

As vegetable prices continue to soar across urban centers like Srinagar and other towns in India, growing vegetables at home has become more than a hobby; it is a necessity. With reduced local production and heavy reliance on imports, residents are turning to rooftops, balconies, and even window sills to cultivate small vegetable patches. Urban gardening not only reduces kitchen expenses but also ensures access to fresh, chemical-free produce.

In most urban areas, people live in houses with little to no land. But even if you do not have a garden, you can still grow your own vegetables in pots placed on rooftops, balconies, courtyards, or sunny windows. It is a practical solution for those living in cramped spaces, and it requires minimal investment.

Here are five easy-to-grow vegetables that require little space, basic care, and minimal water, perfect for beginners and city dwellers.

1. Tomatoes (Tamatar)

Tomatoes grow well in medium-sized pots or buckets with drainage holes. They need plenty of sunlight, at least 5–6 hours a day. You can plant seeds or saplings in well-drained soil mixed with compost. Water them daily during hot weather and every two days during cooler months. Supporting them with sticks or trellises helps them grow upright and produce more fruit.

2. Green Chillies (Mirch)

Green chillies are ideal for balconies and terraces. They need at least 4–5 hours of sunlight and can be grown in small containers. Use nutrient-rich, loose soil, and avoid overwatering, watering twice a week is often enough unless the heat is intense. Once they flower, you can harvest chillies regularly, making them a sustainable option for your kitchen.

3. Spinach (Palak)

Spinach is a fast-growing leafy vegetable suited to shallow containers. It thrives in cool to moderate temperatures, making it perfect for Kashmir’s spring and early summer. Sow seeds in moist soil and water lightly every day. Spinach can be harvested within 25–30 days, and with staggered planting, you can ensure a continuous supply.

4. Beans

Beans grow easily in vertical spaces and can be trained to climb walls, grills, or sticks. They need medium to large pots with climbing support. Sow seeds in nutrient-rich soil and water regularly, about every alternate day. Beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, making them a good companion crop for others too.

5. Coriander (Dhaniya)

Coriander is a must-have herb in every kitchen. It grows quickly and doesn’t require much care. Scatter seeds in a shallow pot, cover lightly with soil, and keep moist. It germinates in 5–7 days and can be harvested within 20 days. A small tray can supply fresh leaves for weeks.