Vegetables to grow in may in Shamli up | Block-Wise Vegetable Guide
Are you a farmer from Shamli, up (UP)? In May, in blocks like Kairana, Kandhla, Shamli, Thana Bhawan, Un, the usual standing or harvest-ready crops are Okra, Cucumber, Bottle Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Muskmelon, Watermelon. Some farmers are preparing nursery beds for Tomato, Chilli, Brinjal, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Paddy.
In many areas, fresh leafy crops like Amaranth, Coriander, Mint are also being sown. This is the peak of the hot Zaid season just before the monsoon, so maintaining soil moisture through regular irrigation is critical for current crops and new sowings. So your planning now will decide your profits in August–September.
We have prepared a farmer’s guide for Shamli 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 june
- Standing/harvest crops: Sugarcane harvesting is ongoing, with late-season varieties being cut.
Okra is being harvested regularly.
Brinjal continues to produce, with farmers picking mature fruits.
Mango orchards are in full swing, with farmers harvesting ripe fruits.
Bottle gourd is ready to be harvested.
Ridge gourd is producing well and being harvested frequently.
- Nursery beds: Tomato seedlings are being prepared for the next season's planting.
Chilli seedlings are being raised for transplanting in July.
Brinjal seedlings are also being prepared for transplanting.
Cauliflower seedlings are being sown for the winter crop.
Cabbage nursery for early winter is in progress.
Onion seedlings for the next season are being sown.
- Fresh leafy crops: Spinach sowing is underway to provide greens during the early monsoon.
Amaranthus (Chaulai) sowing is done for continuous supply of leafy vegetables.
Fenugreek (Methi) sowing is being done.
Coriander (Dhania) sowing is also in progress.
- Pulses/cash crops: Urad dal is being sown in upland areas.
Cotton sowing is ongoing in irrigated fields.
Groundnut sowing has started.
👉 Overall, in early june, fields in Shamli show a mix of harvesting crops, nurseries for the upcoming season, fresh leafy vegetables, and pulses/cash crops.
What to start now (May)
Direct sowing (seeds directly in the field):
Okra, Beans, Cucumber, Bottle Gourd, Bitter Gourd, Pumpkin, Sponge Gourd, Cowpea, Amaranthus (Chaulai), Cluster Bean (Guar).
✅ Benefit – These vegetables grow well in warm weather and provide a quick harvest.
Nursery preparation (for later transplanting):
Prepare nurseries for Chilli, Brinjal, Tomato, Cauliflower and Early Cabbage (for monsoon season transplanting).
✅ Benefit – Ensures seedlings are ready for transplanting as soon as monsoon arrives, optimizing growth cycle.
Transplanting (nursery → main field):
Transplant Chilli, Brinjal and Tomato seedlings (if not already done). Ensure proper spacing and irrigation.
✅ Benefit – Gives plants space to grow and ensures proper root development.
Summer Green Manuring:
Sow Dhaincha or Sunhemp for green manure. Plough it back into the soil after 45-60 days. (in Shamli-up Considering water availability)
✅ Benefit – Improves soil fertility, water retention, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Irrigation Management:
Ensure regular irrigation for all summer crops, especially during peak heat. Drip irrigation is highly recommended.
✅ Benefit – Prevents water stress and ensures optimal growth during hot and dry conditions.
👉 In this way, by planning direct sowing, nurseries, transplanting, and summer soil enrichment in May in Shamli, farmers can optimize their crop cycle and improve soil health.
Let’s Start in May – Crop + Method + Advantage
Crop |
How to Plant (Method & Spacing) |
Advantage for Shamli Farmers |
Okra (Bhindi) |
Direct sowing; rows 45 cm apart; thin to 15-20 cm |
Heat tolerant; high demand in local Shamli markets |
Bottle Gourd (Lauki) |
Sow seeds on raised beds; spacing 1.5m x 1.5m |
Fast growth in summer; good source of income in Shamli |
Cucumber (Kheera) |
Direct sowing; rows 1m apart; support with trellis |
Short duration crop; high demand in Shamli during summer |
Watermelon (Tarbooj) |
Sow seeds on raised beds; spacing 2m x 3m |
Good returns in Shamli markets; thrives in hot weather |
Muskmelon (Kharbooja) |
Direct sowing; rows 1.5m apart; vine support |
Profitable crop; favored in Shamli for its taste |
Green Gram (Moong) |
Direct sowing; rows 30 cm apart; use rhizobium culture |
Short duration; improves soil fertility in Shamli fields |
Cowpea (Lobiya) |
Direct sowing; rows 45 cm apart; good as intercrop |
Dual purpose (vegetable & fodder); adapts well in Shamli |
Sorghum (Jowar) |
Direct sowing; rows 45 cm apart; fodder type varieties |
Excellent fodder for livestock in Shamli; drought tolerant |
Maize (Makka) |
Direct sowing; rows 60 cm apart; early maturing varieties |
Fodder and grain source for Shamli; quick returns |
Sugarcane (Early Planting) |
Setts planting; spacing 90 cm row to row |
Higher yield potential; good water availability in Shamli |
Block-Wise Snapshot (Quick View)
Block |
Sow Now |
Transplant |
Pest Watch |
Irrigation Tip |
Shamli |
Okra, Bottle Gourd, Ridge Gourd |
Chili, Tomato, Brinjal |
Aphids in Okra, Whitefly in Brinjal |
Irrigate early morning or late evening |
Thanabhawan |
Cluster Bean, Amaranthus, Cowpea |
Tomato, Chili |
Fruit borer in Tomato, Thrips in Chili |
Maintain soil moisture; avoid overwatering |
Un |
Cucumber, Bitter Gourd |
Brinjal, Tomato |
Downy mildew in cucurbits |
Use drip irrigation |
Kandhla |
Sponge Gourd, Pumpkin |
Chili, Capsicum |
Leaf curl virus in Chili |
Mulch to conserve moisture |
Jhinjhana |
Pointed Gourd, Round Gourd |
Brinjal, Okra |
Shoot and fruit borer in Brinjal |
Sprinkler irrigation; avoid waterlogging |
Shamli Dehat |
Bottle Gourd, Tinda |
Tomato, Cauliflower |
Whitefly in Okra |
Light irrigation; improve drainage |
Ailam |
Amaranthus, Spinach |
Brinjal, Tomato |
Aphids in greens |
Shallow irrigation; no overwatering |
Babhri |
Cucumber, Bitter Gourd |
Tomato |
Powdery mildew, fruit fly |
Organic mulch; weekly irrigation |
Gangeru |
Cowpea, Cluster Bean |
Brinjal, Cabbage |
Shoot borer in Brinjal |
Irrigate nurseries every 4–5 days |
Block-Wise Recommendations (Detailed)
🌾 Kairana Block
- Sow now: Okra, Bottle Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Bitter Gourd
- Prepare Nursery: Chilli, Brinjal
- How & Why:
- These vegetables thrive in May heat and humidity.
- Timely nursery ensures seedlings are ready for monsoon planting.
- Advantage: Capitalize on summer vegetable demand and prepare for monsoon crops.
🌾 Kandhla Block
- Sow now: Summer Squash, Cucumber, Cowpea
- Irrigate: Existing cucurbit crops regularly
- How & Why:
- Cucurbits provide good yield in summer with adequate irrigation.
- Cowpea fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility.
- Advantage: Maximize summer cucurbit production and improve soil health for future crops.
🌾 Shamli Block
- Sow now: Okra, Bottle Gourd, Ridge Gourd, Bitter Gourd
- Prepare Nursery: Chilli, Brinjal
- How & Why:
- Okra and gourds grow well in the May climate of Shamli.
- Prepare Chilli and Brinjal nursery for the next season's crop.
- Advantage: Ensures continuous supply of vegetables and maximizes yield.
🌾 Thana Bhawan Block
- Sow now: Cluster Bean, Amaranthus
- Intercrop: Okra with short duration pulses
- How & Why:
- Cluster bean and amaranthus tolerate heat and require less water.
- Intercropping utilizes space and provides additional income.
- Advantage: Water-efficient crops and better land utilization.
🌾 Un Block
- Sow now: Sponge Gourd, Round Gourd
- Manage: Whitefly in existing vegetable crops
- How & Why:
- Gourds are suitable for May sowing in Un block.
- Whitefly control is crucial to prevent virus transmission.
- Advantage: Protect existing crops and sow heat-tolerant vegetables.
Pest Watch & Irrigation Tips
Key pests to watch (Shamli, May)
- Okra: Fruit borer, Whitefly, Jassids
- Cucurbits (gourds/cucumber): Fruit fly, Red pumpkin beetle, Powdery mildew
- Brinjal/Chilli: Shoot & fruit borer, Mites, Thrips
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 (Shamli, May)
- Due to intense heat, irrigate every 3-5 days, especially at flowering and fruiting stages.
- Avoid water stagnation in nurseries; ensure good drainage.
- Use mulching (dry leaves/straw/plastic where feasible) to save precious moisture and reduce weeds.
- Prefer drip or furrow irrigation for gourds, brinjal, chilli where possible, especially in hot weather.
Conclusion
May in Shamli is all about smart planning for the summer heat and upcoming monsoon:
- Continue regular harvesting of summer cucurbits, okra, and other heat-tolerant vegetables.
- Direct sow quick-growing summer vegetables like okra, cowpea, and cluster beans for continuous income.
- Raise nurseries for monsoon brinjal and chilli, selecting robust, heat-tolerant varieties.
- Ensure timely and adequate irrigation to counter the intense May heat and prevent plant stress.
- Keep a sharp eye on sucking pests (jassids, aphids, mites) which thrive in hot weather, and act fast.
If you manage your fields with these steps—harvesting summer produce for immediate income, planting new heat-tolerant crops for future gains, and wisely preparing for the monsoon—you’ll ensure a steady income and a strong start to the next growing cycle.