Vegetables to grow in may in Basti up | Block-Wise Vegetable Guide

Are you a farmer from Basti, Uttar Pradesh (UP)? In May, in blocks like Bankati, Basti, Bhanpur, Gaur, Harraiya, Kalwari, Kaptanganj, Kudrakha, Maharajganj, Parsurampur, Ramnagar, Rudhauli, Saltauwa Gopalpur, Sau Ghat, the usual standing or harvest-ready crops are Okra, Cucumber, Bottle Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Cowpea. Some farmers are preparing nursery beds for Tomato, Brinjal, Chilli, Cauliflower, Cabbage.

In many areas, fresh leafy crops like Amaranth, Coriander, Spinach are also being sown. May is the peak of the Zaid season with high temperatures, requiring frequent irrigation for standing crops, while farmers also begin preparing land and nurseries for the upcoming Kharif season. So your planning now will decide your profits in August–September.

We have prepared a farmer’s guide for Basti district for the month of May. This guide explains:

  • Which crops should be sown now,
  • Which crops should be raised in nurseries and when to transplant them,
  • Which seeds can be sown directly without nurseries, and
  • When nursery plants should be transplanted if they are ready.

You will get this information block-wise in the guide so you can easily decide what to do in May according to your area.

What fields typically look like early may

  • Standing/harvest crops: Sugarcane, mango, and banana are still in the fields, ready for harvest.
  • Nursery beds: Okra, brinjal, tomato, and chili seedlings are being raised for timely transplanting.
  • Fresh leafy crops: Spinach, amaranth, and fenugreek sowing has started, ensuring early availability of greens.
  • Pulses/cash crops: Mung bean and sesame continue in suitable areas.

👉 Overall, in early may, fields in Basti show a mix of standing vegetables, nurseries, new leafy sowings, and pulse/cash crops.

What to start now (May)

Direct sowing (seeds directly in the field):
Okra (Bhindi), Cucumber, Bottle Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Pumpkin, and Beans.
✅ Benefit – These vegetables thrive in warm weather and provide a good yield.

Nursery preparation (for later transplanting):
Prepare nurseries for early paddy (rice) varieties. Start nurseries for cucurbit vegetables for the next season.
✅ Benefit – Ensures timely availability of seedlings for the upcoming season.

Transplanting (nursery → main field):
Transplant summer vegetables like chili and brinjal seedlings if weather permits and irrigation is available.

Fruit crops:
Mango and Litchi orchard management (irrigation and pest control). Prepare land for new orchard plantations for the monsoon season.
✅ Benefit – Proper care ensures better fruit quality and yield; land preparation saves time later.

Other crops:
Sowing of summer pulses like Moong and Urad.
✅ Benefit – Short duration crops that provide additional income and improve soil fertility.

👉 In this way, by planning direct sowing, nurseries, transplanting, and summer crops in May in Basti, farmers can increase their income.

Let’s Start in may – Crop + Method + Advantage

Crop

How to Plant (Method & Spacing)

Advantage for Farmers

Okra (Bhindi)

Direct sowing; rows 45–60 cm apart; thin after germination

Warm-season crop; good market demand in Basti

Bottle Gourd (Lauki)

Direct sowing; spacing 1.5-2m between plants

Fast growth; steady income during summer months

Bitter Gourd (Karela)

Sow seeds 60-90cm apart; support with trellis

High market value; medicinal properties

Cucumber (Kheera)

Direct sowing; 45-60cm row spacing; vine support helpful

Short duration crop; high demand as a summer coolant

Summer Squash (Torai/Tori)

Direct sowing on raised beds; 60cm spacing

Quick yield; popular in local Basti markets

Green Gram (Moong)

Direct sowing; row spacing 30-45 cm

Short duration; improves soil fertility

Cowpea (Lobia)

Direct sowing; 45-60 cm row spacing

Dual purpose: vegetable & pulse; drought-tolerant

Sorghum (Jowar) (Fodder)

Broadcast sowing; ensure good soil moisture

Important fodder for livestock; ready in 60-70 days

Maize (Makka) (Fodder)

Direct sowing; 30 cm rows; higher yield potential

Fast-growing fodder crop; nutritious for animals

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Block-Wise Snapshot (Quick View)

Block

Sow Now

Transplant

Pest Watch

Irrigation Tip

Basti Sadar

Okra, Bottle Gourd, Cucumber

Chili, Brinjal

Fruit flies in cucurbits

Water deeply, less frequently

बहादुरपुर

Cluster Bean, Amaranthus

Tomato, Bell Pepper

Aphids on beans

Use drip irrigation daily

रुधौली

Sponge Gourd, Cowpea

Brinjal

Whiteflies, leafhoppers

Water early morning to reduce fungus

साऊंघाट

Pumpkin, Bitter Gourd

Tomato, Chili

Red spider mites

Ensure good soil drainage

बनकटी

Ridge Gourd, Ladyfinger

Cabbage, Cauliflower

Diamondback moth on cabbage

Avoid midday watering

कुदरहा

Pointed Gourd, Round Gourd

Chili, Capsicum

Thrips on vegetables

Check soil moisture regularly

सल्टौआ गोपालपुर

Green Amaranth, Lobia

Tomato

Epilachna beetle

Use furrow irrigation

परशुरामपुर

Gourds, Beans

Brinjal

Root rot in seedlings

Water at the base of plants

विक्रमजोत

Cucumber, Watermelon

Cabbage

Downy mildew

Apply water in the morning

 

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Block-Wise Recommendations (Detailed)

🌾 Bankati Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

🌾 Basti Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

🌾 Bhanpur Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

🌾 Gaur Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

🌾 Harraiya Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

🌾 Kalwari Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

🌾 Kaptanganj Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

🌾 Kudrakha Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

🌾 Maharajganj Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

🌾 Parsurampur Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

🌾 Ramnagar Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

🌾 Rudhauli Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

🌾 Saltauwa Gopalpur Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

🌾 Sau Ghat Block

  • Sow now: Okra, beans, cucumber, bottle gourd
  • Nursery: Chili, eggplant
  • How & Why:
    • Okra, beans provide early market advantage in May.
    • Chili, eggplant nursery ensures timely monsoon transplant.
  • Advantage: Early vegetables + prepared seedlings = better returns.

Pest Watch & Irrigation Tips

Key pests to watch

  • Okra: Fruit borer, Jassids, Whitefly
  • Cucurbits (gourds/cucumber): Fruit fly, Mites, Powdery mildew
  • Brinjal/Tomato: Fruit borer, Shoot borer (Brinjal), Whitefly
  • Leafy greens (if cultivated): Aphids, Leaf miners

Simple actions:

  • Scout twice a week. Check undersides of leaves and growing tips.
  • Remove and destroy infested fruits/leaves.
  • Use pheromone traps for fruit/borer insects and keep fields clean of weeds.
  • Follow label-recommended sprays only when needed; rotate sprays to avoid resistance.

Irrigation

  • Give frequent, light irrigation every 2-4 days, especially during hot periods.
  • Avoid water stagnation; ensure good drainage.
  • Use mulching (dry leaves/straw/plastic where feasible) to save moisture and reduce weeds.
  • Prefer drip or furrow irrigation for gourds and tomato where possible.

Conclusion

May in Basti is all about smart planning:

  • Continue harvesting of summer vegetables like bottle gourd, bitter gourd, ladyfinger, and cluster beans.
  • Maintain consistent irrigation to standing crops, especially during hot spells.
  • Scout for common summer pests like red mites and jassids, and manage them proactively.
  • Start preparing land for upcoming Kharif (monsoon) crops like maize, paddy nursery, and arhar.
  • Consider new sowings of heat-tolerant vegetables like bottle gourd, ladyfinger, or sponge gourd if irrigation is reliable.

If you follow these steps—maintaining continuous summer vegetable production for steady income, preparing fields diligently for key Kharif crops, and ensuring timely water and pest management for resilience—you’ll navigate the hot May month profitably and be well-prepared for the monsoon.

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