Why Radish and Gourds Surprised Me: Two Vegetables I Once Feared Growing

The Vegetables I Thought Were Too Difficult

Radish and gourds seemed intimidating when I was a beginner. Radish with its long root and gourds with their climbing habits looked complicated. I avoided them for months, convinced I would fail.

Radish: The Easiest Confidence Booster

When I finally sowed radish seeds, I was shocked at how quickly they germinated. Within a few days, the sprouts appeared. By week two, the leaves formed a beautiful green canopy. All radish needs is loose soil – once I added more sand and compost, the roots grew perfectly straight.

Gourds: The Beauty of Climbing Vines

Bottle gourd, ridge gourd, bitter gourd – all thrive in Bangalore’s climate. The only real requirement is a trellis. Once the vines find support, they grow vigorously, producing plenty of flowers. Watching the tiny gourds form is one of the most satisfying moments in gardening.

Learning That Fear Comes From Not Knowing

These two vegetables taught me it’s easy to overestimate difficulty when you haven’t tried something. What seemed intimidating became enjoyable, and now they are regulars in my garden.