Down To Earth

When we talk about medicinal plants,the picture that comes to our mind is that of some natural weed.

When we talk about medicinal plants,the picture that comes to our mind is that of some natural weed. But there are many ornamental plants too. For example,the Sadabahar. Also called periwinkle,it flowers the whole year. The plant is claimed to have medicinal value for diabeties. There are many flowers available in many colours and they have immense aesthetic value. But what variety is fit for medicinal use,how much and which plant part should be used,has to first be confirmed from the ayurvedic expert. You can get various colour blooms from any of the city nurseries.

I have a two year old mango plant that is growing high but there are no leaves upto four feet of the plant. What should I do to protect the plant from the heat?

Rakesh,Chandigarh

One way is to white wash the stem that is exposed to sun. The simplest way is to cover the main trunk with a piece of gunny bag or white sheet. However,do not show complacence in watering the plant

My litchi branches are touching the ground. The plant is in bearing. Should I prune the branches?

Monica,Panchkula

No,never prune the branches of a litchi plant as you will open the inside of the tree to hot air penetration,which will eventually lead to fruit splitting.

Some of my grape berries are drying and hanging in bunches as half-filled and half- empty. What is this disease due to? Can it be corrected?

Sumit,Chandigarh

This disorder is called water berry and is due to the excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers,stress and excessive watering. Next year do not give nitrogenous fertilizer,but water the plant at three to five days of interval.

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Which is the best time to plant guava and which variety? From where can I get these good quality plants?

Satinder Singh,Chandigarh

The best time to plant guava will be in July-august. Get Arka Amulaya,Allahabad Safeda or Sardar guava from PAU nurseries.

(For gardening queries ASK DR GREEN at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in)

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