Down To Earth

Now is the time when roses are about to put forth the second flush of bloom.

Written by Dr Satish Narula

February 9, 2012 01:25 AM IST

3 min read

Now is the time when roses are about to put forth the second flush of bloom. There is a small gap between the two successive flushes; one came in the middle of December. The actual healthy bloom flush appears now. But also visible now is the tikka leaf spot,a fungal disease that causes premature leaf fall. The health and quality of bloom,however,depends on the presence of green and healthy foliage. The leaf fall in cases of severe attack is so much that almost half of the plant has no leaves. Spray bavistin,dissolved at one gram to a litre of water. Do not forget to clean the bed near the base of the plants. Remove the fallen leaves and destroy them.

When can I start planting ladyfinger for the summer crop? Please specify the precautions that need to be taken at the time of sowing?

Kartar Singh,Mohali

This is the right time to procure ladyfinger seeds and plant them. One night before planting you should dip the seeds in warm water and let them soak overnight. Sow thereafter in rows,45 cms apart,and keep a plant-to-plant distance of 15 cms.

I want to grow grapevines in my kitchen garden. Which variety should I grow and what is the right time to plant it?

Kavita,Panchkula

You can go in for Perlette,Beauty Seedless,Flame Seedless or Punjab Purple. These varieties are available at the nurseries in Punjab Agricultural University,Ludhiana .

I have noticed small black insects on my dahlia plants. What insects could these be and how can they be controlled?

Sukhjeet,Chandigarh

The insects are black aphids and these congregate at the plant terminals,sucking sap and devitalising the plants. Spray rogor or metasystox,dissolved at one millilitre to a litre of water. Repeat the spray after a fortnight.

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Now that the weather has started warming up,can I shift my indoor plants outside?

Mukhtiar Singh,Mohali

No,it is too early to shift indoor plants outside,as there is every chance of an occurrence of late February frost that may cause tremendous damage to such plants.

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

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