6 Winter Greens I Grow Every Year

There’s always so much work involved in sourcing and growing the cleanest, non-treated varieties of seeds. However, this winter, I managed to grow the following six greens, all of which are a big part of my seasonal diet. I hope this list inspires you to start growing what you actually enjoy eating.

1. Spinach

Although we have six different types of spinach seeds available on the website, my personal favourite is Baby Spinach from our baby leaves category. Winter saag roti deserves all the hype it gets, but when you harvest fresh baby spinach for salads or lightly steamed side dishes, you truly understand its charm. Since the leaves are smaller, they are crunchier, juicier, and packed with the familiar, comforting taste of spinach. Try growing this in a few pots around your balcony and see the difference for yourself.

2. Coriander

I know what you’re thinking - this is probably the most basic green I could grow, and I agree. But the humble coriander is such a staple in my diet that I can’t imagine not dedicating a few pots to this fragrant herb. One of my favourite chutneys, made with coriander, yoghurt, green chilli, and a handful of fresh garlic, beats any store-bought green chutney any day. Coriander is also very easy to grow. Maintain a consistent temperature, and you’ll have fresh sprigs ready to harvest in just 2–3 weeks.

3. Radish

A North Indian winter is incomplete without fresh mooli (radish) parathas, and I am no exception to this rule. Chai and mooli paratha is one of my go-to breakfasts more than once a week during the colder months in Chandigarh. This winter, I even tried kneading the dough with beetroot juice, and the parathas looked quite exotic. If you don’t have an in-ground garden, try growing red round radish in a 15-inch container on a sunny balcony - it works surprisingly well.

4. Preparing Tomatoes

As a gardener, one of the many joys is watching tiny tomato fruits begin to form. They are a testament to the care and attention you’ve given the plant to reach that stage. I still get excited every time I see flowers and fruits on my tomato plants. While winter isn’t ideal for growing tomatoes outdoors, the second half of January is the perfect time to start preparing tomato seedlings in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill. Once spring sets in, these seedlings will be strong and healthy enough to transplant outdoors.

5. Methi or Fenugreek

I grew up in Chandigarh, and I vividly remember bunches of methi being picked, cleaned, and sorted at home throughout December and January. Fresh methi is a staple in my winter cooking—whether it’s methi roti, aloo methi, or methi dal, it adds a familiar earthiness to every dish. As a child, I may have eaten this winter green under my mother’s insistence, but once I developed a taste for it, I started growing and harvesting methi every winter without fail.

6. Microgreens

Yes, I know I talk about microgreens a lot—but I’m genuinely surprised more people don’t. Microgreens are, quite literally, one of the best additions you can make to your diet to fill nutritional gaps in everyday meals. Eating a variety of microgreens regularly has been shown to help prevent many life threatening diseases. On a lighter note, my preferred way to consume microgreens is by adding them to raita—it’s simple and removes the guesswork of remembering to eat them daily. I also love making sandwiches at home with freshly harvested mustard microgreens. They taste far better than bottled mustard paste. Try it for yourself.

That’s my list of greens I’m currently growing and harvesting in January—based purely on what I enjoy eating. I hope this resonates with you and encourages you to start with at least one pot of seasonal greens at home. If you have feedback, recipe twists, or ideas to share, please write to me at karanmahajan@allthatgrows.in.

Wishing you a happy growing season!

Karan