Down To Earth

Christion Dior,Oklahoma,Kajal,Superstar,Happiness,First Red and Dr B.P. Pal are some of the red blooming varieties of roses. However,it is usually difficult to get a named variety in most of the nurseries,in that case,buy a plant by checking the bud or the bloom.

What should be the frequency of giving water to the rose plant? When should the fertilizer and manure be added to the bushes? Could you recommend ways in which the plant can be protected?
Harbhajan Singh,Panchkula

The roses are woody plants and do not need much water. You can water them once a week or even after 10 days during winter. The manure should be added at the time of pruning and fertilizer needs to be split into three doses —- one to be added at the time of pruning and the second and third dose should be given at monthly intervals. In order to protect the plant,spray bavistin and rogor,dissolved in the proportion of one gram to one milliliter respectively.

I have procured two bare-rooted peach and pear plants from the Punjab Agricultural University. How deep should I plant them? Can I keep them for a week?
Sangeeta,Panchkula

These plants are given bare-rooted. You can keep them for a week,but bury the roots in the soil and keep it moist. However,make sure that these are planted before they start sprouting. The planting should be done till the earth mark on the plant,which is the level at which it was extracted from the soil.

At the time of planting plums and shehtoot,should we give water? These plants are dormant and have not sprouted yet.
Masnjit Kaur,Mohali

It is essential to give water at the time of planting. It is also compulsory to compact the soil around the plant by pressing it with your feet all around it.

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