Turn your backyard into a profitable orchard with these plants
India, a land of extraordinary biodiversity, is home to a vast array of plant species that go well beyond the familiar ones. If you have a passion for gardening, why not consider turning your backyard into an orchard specializing in profitable fruit-bearing varieties? Here are some plants that not only enrich your garden but can also kickstart a thriving small business from your backyard.
Cherry tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes are small, round, and sweet fruits, highly prized in culinary applications, and they are also used as ornamental vegetables. These are usually available throughout the year, although its peak season is during the summer months. Cherry tomatoes require four to six hours of direct sunlight each day and thrive best in well-draining soil with a pH balance of 6.2 to 6.5.
Artichokes
A rare plant to consider for your home garden, artichokes are known for their unique flavor and versatility in culinary creations, making them a sought-after vegetable in many places. While they are not traditionally grown in India, their cultivation can be viable in cooler regions with heavy, fertile, loamy soil. The soil needs to be moist as artichokes are a water-loving plant.
Turmeric
Turmeric, a prominent culinary spice in India, boasts numerous health advantages. The cultivation of turmeric experienced a significant surge during the COVID-19 lockdown period. Similar to ginger, turmeric thrives in warm, humid environments with neutral, well-drained soil. If you have a sunny spot to place a sizable planter, turmeric is simple to grow. After planting, you can harvest turmeric in seven to 10 months.
Dragon fruit
Dragon fruit, an exotic fruit is gaining popularity for its exotic appearance and potential health benefits. The fruit may grow in areas with poor soil, fluctuating temperatures, and little rainfall, although it does best in tropical areas. You need space and patience to grow this cactus-like plant in your backyard. However, once it bears fruit, you can easily make a profit out of it.
Litchi
Litchi is a tropical summer fruit with a distinctive flavor that provides Indian farmers/gardeners with excellent economic opportunities. It does best where there is a chilly winter followed by a scorching summer. Litchi trees demand regularly watered soil that drains well. Litchi cultivation can be very lucrative even if it calls for patience and careful attention to detail.
