Monsoon’s warm and humid climate provides ideal conditions for growing tropical fruits like banana, papaya, guava, and passion fruit. The consistent rainfall reduces the need for frequent watering, while the moisture-rich environment promotes lush, rapid growth. These fruits are not only easy to grow during the rainy season but are also packed with essential nutrients like vitamins A and C, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants. They help boost immunity, aid digestion, and keep the body hydrated, benefits especially valuable during the monsoon. Their natural enzymes and high fiber content also help combat common digestive issues, making them both practical and healthy seasonal choices.
Grow these tropical fruits at home this monsoon for maximum health benefits
Banana
Banana plants flourish in heat and humidity, producing lush foliage and strong stems during monsoon. Plant in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil, keep them spaced well, and mulch to retain moisture.Health benefit: Rich in potassium, fiber, and vitamin B6, bananas provide quick energy, support digestion, heart health, and help maintain healthy blood pressure.Papaya
Fast-growing and ideal for small gardens, papaya matures in just 6–9 months. Plant in sunny, well-drained soil with rich compost, and feed monthly.Health benefit: Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and digestive enzyme papain, papaya boosts immunity, improves digestion, promotes healthy skin, and helps regulate blood sugar. Pineapple
Pineapple thrives if well-drained soil, warmth, and protection from stagnant water are ensured. Start with the top of a ripe fruit or a nursery sucker, and mulched beds help in monsoon.Health benefit: Contains vitamin C, manganese, and bromelain, this combo aids digestion, reduces inflammation, supports immunity, and encourages skin and bone health. Guava
Monsoon is a great time to plant or prune guava in slightly acidic soil with good sunlight and drainage. Keep saplings spaced at least three meters apart, prune early in the season, and apply compost.Health benefit: Loaded with vitamin C, fiber, potassium, and powerful antioxidants like lycopene, guava supports digestion, heart health, blood sugar control, and immunity.Passion fruit
Passion fruit vines love the moist monsoon air. Plant near a sturdy trellis in sandy loam with compost. Ensure good airflow, prune regularly, and water moderately.Health benefit: High in vitamin C, fiber, and plant compounds that lower cholesterol, reduce inflammation, regulate digestion, and support cardiovascular and metabolic health.
How to maximise yield during monsoon
- Choose sunlight and elevated growing spots to avoid waterlogging.
- Use organic compost and balanced or potassium-rich fertilisers.
- Prune regularly to encourage new fruiting branches.
- Practice organic pest control using neem oil or mesh netting.
- Harvest when fruits mature by colour or softness.
These simple monsoon gardening strategies lead to a bountiful, low-maintenance fruit harvest.Also read | How to keep rats out of your garden: Effective tips and solutions
