Down To Earth

The plants in a garden are almost the same everywhere,with the exception of a few.

The plants in a garden are almost the same everywhere,with the exception of a few. However,what matters most is the presentation. See the accompanying picture. The pot planted with euphorbia has been artistically fitted in a stone,giving it the look of a sculpture. The plants have been pruned repeatedly to keep the height uniform and the emerging leaves are in miniature form,giving another fillip to the height factor. Even one such specimen can attract the attention of visitors. Such plants are however very sensitive to moisture and special attention should be given so that there is no stagnation. In the thick growth,at times we miss such observations that may prove fatal for the plant.

I have a custard apple tree in my garden. I want to reduce its size. Is it the right time to do that?

Rakesh,Panchkula

No,this is not the correct time to prune custard apple. Do it in winter.

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What is the right time to plant gardenia? What is the size of the plant?

Satinder,Chandigarh

This is the best time to plant gardenia. The size of the plant can be regulated by pruning it to the desired size.

Is it the right time to grow vegetables like turnip,carrot,radish and so on? If so,which variety?

Rajat Kumar,Panchkula

Wait for another month and then you can sow desi varieties of vegetable crops.

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I am fond of Cestrum Nocturnum (Raat Ki Rani) but I have been told it attracts snakes. Is it so? What is the right time to plant it?

Savinder Singh,Chandigarh

Its a misconception. Remember,any place which is not under clean cultivation will have the danger of harbouring snakes. There is no correlation reported between this particular plant and the presence of snakes.

For gardening queries,ASK DR GREEN at

satishnarula@yahoo.co.in

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