Getting Your Windowsill Ready
Before you start planting, a little preparation goes a long way. The monsoon's high humidity is great for herbs, but good drainage is crucial to prevent roots from rotting. Choose pots that are at least 6-8 inches deep with drainage holes at the bottom.
Terracotta pots are excellent as they are porous. For soil, use a well-draining potting mix. A combination of garden soil, compost, and a little sand or cocopeat works wonders, ensuring the soil retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Your windowsill should ideally receive at least four to six hours of sunlight daily, though some herbs are more forgiving. A south or west-facing window is often best.
1. Holy Basil (Tulsi)
A staple in Indian households, Tulsi is revered for its medicinal properties and thrives in the warm, humid weather of the monsoon. It's known to boost immunity, which is especially helpful during this season. To grow, you can start from seeds or a cutting. Plant a few seeds or a healthy cutting in your prepared pot. Tulsi doesn't like to be overwatered, a common risk during the rains. Water only when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. If there's heavy, continuous rain, you might want to move your pot to a more sheltered spot. Regularly pinching off the top leaves and flower buds (manjiri) will encourage the plant to grow bushier and more lush.
2. Mint (Pudina)
Mint is one of the most rewarding and easy herbs to grow. Its refreshing aroma and flavour are perfect for monsoon teas and chutneys. Mint flourishes in moist soil but is susceptible to root rot if waterlogged. The key is a pot with excellent drainage. It prefers partial sunlight, so a spot that gets gentle morning sun is ideal. You can easily grow mint from a healthy cutting from the market. Just place the stem in a glass of water until roots appear, then plant it in soil. Regular harvesting is the secret to a happy mint plant; the more you trim, the more it will grow. Keep it in its own pot, as mint is an aggressive grower and can take over other plants.
3. Lemongrass
The citrusy fragrance of lemongrass is enough to brighten any gloomy, rainy day. It's an essential ingredient for herbal teas and Asian cooking. Lemongrass loves humidity and water, making the monsoon its favourite season. You can grow it from a fresh stalk, which you can often find at a local grocery store. Place the stalk in a few inches of water, and once roots sprout, plant it in a large, deep pot to give its roots room to expand. It needs plenty of sunlight, at least six hours a day, so a sunny windowsill is a must. Keep the soil consistently moist. To harvest, snip the leaves from the outside of the plant as needed.
4. Carom (Ajwain)
The Ajwain plant is not just for its seeds; its leaves have a fresh, thyme-like flavour and are used in various Indian snacks. It’s a hardy plant that grows quickly. Ajwain requires well-draining soil and plenty of sun—at least 6-8 hours daily. You can grow it from seeds, which should be soaked overnight to improve germination. Plant the seeds in a pot that is at least 8-10 inches deep. Water regularly, but make sure the soil doesn’t become soggy, as this can cause root rot. Once the plant is established, it's fairly low-maintenance. You can start harvesting the leaves once the plant is a few inches tall. Regular trimming will encourage it to grow into a fuller, bushier plant.
