PHOTOGRAPH ('CERAMIC URNS'): ANSHUMAN SEN
genezis
Basics to Stock
Any gardener, amateur or
veteran, needs to stock certain
essentials at home. They arc
available at most plant
nurseries and garden shops.
1. Plant hormone powder such
as Rootex (useful for making
|
cuttings from plants).
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T
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2. NPK; a chemical fertilizer of
the strength of 19:19:19.
3. Necm shield or any organic manure.
4. Any fertilizer that includes trace elements such as
boron, manganese, iron etc.
5. A strong fertilizer such as malathion and a weaker
pesticide like neem oil.
6. Gypsum salt; needed to negate the salinity of water.
7. Zinc; to make citrus trees more juice-retentive.
Create a Stage for Potted Plants
Frame an outdoor room, fill an empty corner, or make a colourful
spot for your potted perennials. Here’s a clever way to display
plants without repotting. Get a carpenter to create this bench
from salvaged wood or a leftover picket fence and cut slots for
pots. Slip the containers into the slots. Paint it any colour you like.
PLANTERS
HANGING GARDENS
These hanging urns in ceramic are an
attractive spin on the typical wire and
moss baskets usually used in
balconies. They also offer an added
benefit: unruly roots and moss
remain unexposed, and therefore,
they look pretty and impart an
enticing appeal toyourterrace.The
earthy green tone will gel with most
outdoor facades. Rs 595 (for a set of
2), available at Lifestyle.
| Did You
Know?
More plants die of
over watering than under watering.
Be careful of this aspect, especially in
winter. This applies more to plants
usually kept indoors, such as the
areca palm. Water it only when the
soil looks and feels dry and not on a
daily basis as a routine.
THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN
west
Some annuals
such as nasturtiums and
pansies are prone to heavy
leafing. Once in a fortnight
remove almost all the big
leaves so flowers are visible.
Use nasturtiums in a salad.
east
Don’t water
delicate plants like
geraniums and begonias
unless they’re in a green
house. Sprinkling water over
plants is better till the days
become really warm.
south P
inch
growing tips and keep
removing deadheads from
pansies, dianthus, and almost
all annuals. Don’t let plants
become tall; bushy plants
flower better.
n o r t h T h e d r y
cold prevents plants from
growing. Stick to mulching as
a preventive until it gets
warmer. For cacti and
succulents use small pebbles;
for others use dry leaves.
For more info, see Resources
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
FEBRUARY
2011
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