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

Are you a farmer from Varanasi, up (UP)? In May, in blocks like Arajiline, Badagaon, Chiraigaon, Harahua, Kashi Vidyapith, Pindra, Sewapuri, 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, Spinach, Coriander are also being sown. May is the peak of the Zaid season and time for Kharif preparations before the monsoon arrives, so soil moisture is low and frequent irrigation is essential. So your planning now will decide your profits in August–September.

We have prepared a farmer’s guide for Varanasi 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: Okra, brinjal, bottle gourd, and summer moong are still in the fields, ready for harvest.
  
• Nursery beds: Tomato, chili, cauliflower, and early paddy seedlings are being raised for timely transplanting.
  
• Fresh leafy crops: Spinach, fenugreek, and amaranth sowing has started, ensuring early availability of greens.
  
• Pulses/cash crops: Urd and sugarcane continue in suitable areas.
  
  

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

What to start now (May)

Summer vegetables: Prepare nurseries for cucurbits (bottle gourd, bitter gourd, pumpkin, cucumber) and okra. Direct sowing of cowpea, cluster bean, and leafy vegetables can be started.
✅ Benefit – Utilize the warm weather for quick germination and early yields.

Fruit crops: This is the ideal time for planting mango, guava, and litchi saplings. Ensure proper irrigation and protection from heat waves.
✅ Benefit – Early planting allows saplings to establish well before the monsoon.

Pulses and Oilseeds: Sowing of summer pulses like green gram (mung) and black gram (urad) can be initiated. Also, groundnut sowing can be done with proper irrigation.
✅ Benefit – Fills the gap between Rabi and Kharif crops, providing additional income.

Rice Nursery: Farmers in Varanasi can start preparing rice nurseries for the Kharif season.
✅ Benefit – Early nursery preparation ensures timely transplanting with the onset of monsoon.

👉 In this way, by planning summer vegetables, fruit crops, pulses, and rice nursery in May, farmers in Varanasi can increase their income.

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

Block-Wise Snapshot (Quick View)

Block-Wise Recommendations (Detailed)

🌾 Arajiline Block

• Sow now: Okra, Cucumber, Bottle Gourd, Bitter Gourd
• Prepare Nursery: Chilli, Brinjal
• How & Why:
  
  • These vegetables thrive in the hot and humid Varanasi climate during May.
  • Early sowing ensures a good yield and market price.
    
• Advantage: High demand for summer vegetables in local markets.
  

🌾 Badagaon Block

• Sow now: Summer Squash, Pumpkin, Ridge Gourd
• Irrigation: Ensure adequate irrigation for existing crops like Summer Moong and vegetables.
• How & Why:
  
  • These cucurbits are well-suited to the May weather conditions in Varanasi.
  • Regular irrigation prevents moisture stress during peak summer.
    
• Advantage: Good yield with proper care and water management.
  

🌾 Chiraigaon Block

• Sow now: Cowpea (Lobia), Cluster Bean (Guar)
• Pest Management: Monitor and control for pests like aphids and whiteflies in vegetable crops.
• How & Why:
  
  • Cowpea and Cluster Bean are relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand the heat.
  • Early pest control prevents significant crop damage.
    
• Advantage: Legumes improve soil fertility and provide a good source of income.
  

🌾 Harahua Block

• Sow now: Amaranthus (Chaulai), Purslane (Kulfa)
• Weed Control: Regular weeding is essential to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
• How & Why:
  
  • These leafy vegetables grow quickly and provide a quick return.
  • Weed-free fields ensure optimal growth of the main crop.
    
• Advantage: Short duration crops with minimal investment.
  

🌾 Kashi Vidyapith Block

• Sow now: Sponge Gourd (Torai), Pointed Gourd (Parwal – through vine cuttings)
• Soil Preparation: Ensure well-drained soil with sufficient organic matter for optimal growth.
• How & Why:
  
  • These vegetables require well-drained soil and warm temperatures.
  • Organic matter improves soil health and water retention.
    
• Advantage: High market demand for these gourds in Varanasi.
  

🌾 Pindra Block

• Sow now: Long Bean (Barbati), Round Gourd (Tinda)
• Mulching: Apply mulch to conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth.
• How & Why:
  
  • These vegetables are adapted to the hot and dry conditions.
  • Mulching helps maintain soil temperature and moisture.
    
• Advantage: Reduced water requirements and improved crop health.
  

🌾 Sewapuri Block

• Sow now: Watermelon, Muskmelon
• Water Management: Efficient water management techniques like drip irrigation are recommended.
• How & Why:
  
  • These fruits thrive in sandy loam soils with good drainage.
  • Drip irrigation ensures water reaches the roots directly, minimizing water wastage.
    
• Advantage: High returns with proper water management and pest control.
  

Pest Watch & Irrigation Tips

Key pests to watch

• Okra: Fruit borer, Jassids, Whitefly
  
• Cucurbits (gourds/cucumber): Fruit fly, Red pumpkin beetle
  
• Leafy greens: Leaf miners, Aphids
  
• Tomato/Brinjal: Fruit borer, Jassids, Whitefly
  
  

Simple actions:

• Scout twice a week. Check undersides of leaves and growing tips.
  
• Remove and destroy infested fruits/leaves/plants.
  
• 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 light but frequent irrigation, every 2-4 days (depending on crop and soil type).
  
• Avoid water stagnation, especially in nurseries; ensure good drainage.
  
• Use mulching (dry leaves/straw/plastic where feasible) to save moisture and reduce weeds. This is crucial in May heat.
  
• Prefer drip or furrow irrigation for all vegetables where possible to save water.
  

Conclusion

May in Varanasi is all about smart summer management and preparation:

• Focus on regular, timely harvesting of summer cucurbits, okra, and other warm-season vegetables.
• Sow heat-tolerant leafy greens like Amaranth (Chaulai) and specific varieties of Spinach for quick cash flow.
• Start nurseries for Kharif season vegetables like brinjal, chili, and early tomato varieties for transplanting once the monsoon begins.
• Ensure timely and adequate irrigation to protect all standing crops from intense summer heat and prevent flower drop.
• Keep a close eye on pests and diseases, as high temperatures can encourage certain infestations.

If you follow these steps—maximizing your summer harvest, utilizing quick-growing greens for continuous income, and preparing diligently for the upcoming Kharif season—you’ll navigate the challenging summer heat effectively and set the stage for a strong, profitable monsoon.