Month-by-month Kathmandu planting calendar
The Kathmandu valley (1,300m) gives us cool winters, hot pre-monsoon and heavy monsoon rains. Here is a simple rhythm that works for most home gardens:
Spring (Feb–Apr): sow summer flowers & vegetables
- Flowers: marigold, zinnia, cosmos, sunflower — direct sow after mid-February.
- Vegetables: beans, cucumber, pumpkin, tomato seedlings from March.
- Feed roses and perennials; repot root-bound indoor plants.
Monsoon (Jun–Sep): protect and propagate
- Ensure drainage — no pot should sit in water. Raise pots on bricks.
- Propagate pothos, coleus and herbs from cuttings; high humidity roots fast.
- Watch for fungus; space plants for airflow. See our monsoon checklist.
Autumn (Oct–Nov): festival flowers & winter veg
- Plant marigold and chrysanthemum well before Tihar for full bloom.
- Sow spinach, radish, carrot, garlic and peas for winter harvest.
Winter (Dec–Jan): prune, plan, protect
- Prune roses in late January; mulch beds against frost.
- Move tender plants to morning sun; reduce watering and stop heavy feeding.