| Season Name | Timeframe (Approximate) | Climate Characteristic | Rooftop Strategy (The Logic) |
| Kharif (Monsoon) | June to October | Hot and Humid. Heavy Monsoon Rains. | Focus on heat and moisture-loving crops. Drainage becomes the most critical factor (the 70% hassle-free rule is easily broken by waterlogging). |
| Rabi (Winter) | October to March | Cool and Dry. Clear, Sunny Days. | Ideal season for maximum yield. Focus on leafy, cool-weather crops. Sunlight is key, as is protection from any severe cold dips. |
| Zaid (Summer) | March to June | Extremely Hot and Dry. Intense Sun. | Short, tough season. Focus on quick-maturing, heat-resistant crops. Watering (early morning/late evening) is the highest priority. |
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The Easy Rooftop Crop Calendar
For the simple, 5-step farmer, here are the easiest, highest-impact vegetable categories to match the season:
1. Kharif (Monsoon) – The Gourd & Okra Game
This season is all about heat and humidity. Focus on vertical gardening using simple trellises (which also saves space and improves air circulation, preventing fungal diseases).
• The Go-To Crops (Maggi Noodle Favorites): Okra (Bhindi), Brinjal (Eggplant), and the Gourds (Bottle, Ridge, Bitter).
• The Fast Fix: Amaranth (a heat-tolerant leafy green).
• The Crucial Prep: Ensure 100% drainage! Use a lightweight potting mix (high cocopeat/compost) to prevent the roots from drowning during heavy rain.
2. Rabi (Winter) – The Salad & Root Harvest 🥗🥕
This is the most productive and hassle-free season for a rooftop farmer. The cooler temperatures and clear sun are perfect for everything that wilts in summer.
• The Go-To Crops (Maggi Noodle Favorites): Spinach (Palak), Fenugreek (Methi), Coriander (Dhaniya), and Peas.
• The Deep Dig: Root Vegetables like Carrot and Radish thrive now. Use deeper grow bags for straight, well-formed roots.
• The Crucial Prep: This is the best time to grow Tomatoes and Capsicum, as they enjoy the moderate temperatures and produce higher quality fruit.
3. Zaid (Summer) – The Survival Crops
This season is short and punishing, designed to weed out the over-complicated farmer. The goal is simple: quick crops that tolerate high heat.
• The Go-To Crops (Maggi Noodle Favorites): Cluster Beans (Guar) and quick-growing, repeat-harvesting greens like Amaranth.
• The Sweet Treat: Melons (Watermelon, Muskmelon) are classic Zaid crops but demand a lot of water and space—start with a small, manageable variety.
• The Crucial Prep: Provide afternoon shade if possible (using nets or positioning next to walls, as discussed in 4.1.1). Water deeply, but only early in the morning or late in the evening to minimize evaporation.
By simply aligning your basic crop choices with these three cycles, you work with nature, not against it, ensuring your 70% hassle-free success and confirming that gardening is truly a Primary School subject!
