One Too Many

With the onset of rain it is time to multiply plants. Multiplication by division is one such method of propagation.

With the onset of rain it is time to multiply plants. Multiplication by division is one such method of propagation. The plant is extracted from the pot by inverting it,striking gently the pot rim on some hard surface and holding the plant with one hand,between fingers. After it comes out,as is visible in the accompanying picture,it can be struck hard on the floor to shed the soil and can be divided almost in any number of plants as are the shoots emerging out of the soil. It is better to divide it having four or five shoots per plant. Such type of propagation can be affected in case of asparagus,grasses,ornamental bamboo,ornamental ellaichi,ferns,maranta and calathea.

* My asparagus plant is not showing growth this season and seems to be pot bound. How can I improve it?
Samant Gupta,Mohali
SAMANT,it seems your plant is in the same pot for many years. Change the pot as has been explained above adding fresh soil-manure mixture. You can make more number of plants too.

* Can you suggest any fragrant herbs for pot planting? Where can I get these?
Kamlesh,Chandigarh
KAPURWASI,artimesia and Rosa geranium,citronella and lemon grass are some of the fragrant herbs and aromatic plants. You can visit Chandigarh Botanical Garden near Sarangpur and enquire about them.

* My gardner is insisting upon adding farmyard manure to my lawn which is showing browning. He says its application will improve the lawn. Any suggestions?
Manju,Chandigarh
EITHER your gardner is absolutely ignorant or greedy. Adding farmyard manure will create a problem of weeds in your lawn. The browning of the lawn may be due to intense heat and water stress. It will improve with time now that the monsoons are round the corner. You can broadcast urea while it is raining.

* As the rains have started what should be done in case of fruit plants. Any specific instructions for proper management?
Satish Kumar,Panchkula
GIVE an outward slope so that there is no water stagnation near the plant. It does not mean making mud mound. That will conserve moisture and cause harm. In case of shallow rooted plants like peach and papaya you an give four sided support so that they do not tilt when the winds follow rains. Do not forget to keep a piece of cloth or rubber tube in case you tie branches with string.

For gardening problems,ask Dr Green at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in

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plants