How to Grow Cherry, Bitter Gourd & Chillies on Your Terrace: 7 Tips From a Ludhiana Gardener

If you have ever thought gardening is too complicated or time-consuming, Poonam Wadhwa from Ludhiana is here to challenge that belief. With a blooming terrace garden that is as beautiful as it is bountiful, she has spent the last couple of years turning her rooftop into a mini farm, filled with vegetables, herbs, fruits, and flowers. 

Her journey back to gardening began with a childhood fondness for plants. After marriage, she felt something was missing, until she brought greenery into her home again. “There was always the feeling that something was missing. The minute I added plants to my terrace, it felt right,” she shares.

For anyone thinking about how to begin, you can take inspiration from the home gardener to know the steps.

She cultivates a varied selection of plants on her terrace, from chillies and capsicum to bitter gourd, Barbados cherry, and mulberry. Each plant grows with specific care, and Poonam has learnt through experience what works best in a rooftop environment, especially in India’s harsh climates.

Tips to turn your terrace into a mini farm

1. Start in the right season

The home gardener recommends beginning your garden in summer, especially if you are planning to grow heat-loving vegetables and fruits. The warmer months provide the ideal conditions for germination and growth. She believes summer is the perfect time to start your garden, cultivate vibrant vegetables and fruits, and enjoy their fresh flavours in your salads.

2. Understand plant watering needs

Overwatering is a common error many gardeners make. For instance, chillies require careful watering in peak summer. “Excessive watering makes the flowers drop. Then there won’t be any chillies,” Poonam explains. Understanding the water requirements of each plant is essential for flowering and fruiting.

3. Provide ample sunlight

Many vegetables, such as capsicum, require full sun to grow. “Capsicums are actually easy plants to grow,” she says, suggesting that at least six hours of direct sunlight daily is the key for a healthy harvest. Without enough light, plants can become leggy and fail to bear fruit.

4. Use natural pest control

The home gardener avoids chemical pesticides and favours natural and household solutions. She uses neem oil every two weeks and sometimes sprays her plants with diluted sour buttermilk. These organic methods are safer for the environment and healthier for those consuming the produce.

5. Give creepers space to grow

If you are growing climbing vegetables like bitter gourd, make sure they have enough space and support. These plants spread quickly and need proper trellising to grow. Poonam’s bitter gourd creepers grow well because they are given room to stretch and climb.

6. Encourage a balanced ecosystem

Planting fruit trees like the Barbados cherry does more than feed your family; it feeds nature, too. The home gardener has observed birds, bees, and butterflies flocking to her terrace garden. “It’s a beautiful feeling when the birds choose your home to build their homes,” she reflects, speaking about the nests built by sparrows and doves in her garden.

7. Fertilise and prune when required

Low-maintenance plants like the mulberry only require basic monthly care. “Fertilise them once a month and prune them (and all your fruit plants) in March and they will thrive,” she advises. Timely fertilising boosts plant health, while pruning encourages new growth and better yields.

Important points to remember in your gardening journey

1. You don’t need a yard or a fancy setup to begin gardening. With just a bit of space, the right choice of plants, and a little patience, anyone can successfully grow their food in a small space.
2. The key is to select plants that suit both your local climate and the season. Summer is particularly well-suited for vegetables like chillies, gourds, and capsicums, while hardy herbs like mint can flourish throughout the year.
3. Gardening also calls for careful observation. From adjusting how much you water to shielding your plants from excessive heat or humidity, every detail matters. 

More than just a source of fresh produce, a garden becomes a peaceful sanctuary. It supports life in many forms. Bees, butterflies, and birds naturally gravitate to the greenery, turning your garden into a living ecosystem that nourishes both nature and the soul.

Edited by Vidya Gowri