Monsoon drill for your garden

Amarjeet  Batth

Rainy season is the season of bounty for gardens and green spaces all over. The plants not only glisten in pristine green, but are also on a growth spurt. Soil nutrients dissolve and are now available for easy absorption by the plants. Conducive conditions activate the root systems, which trigger plant growth mechanism. The season is also good for new plantation.

Although the growth conditions are at their best, still plants need extra care and attention during this season. Good drainage and no water logging is the mantra for plant care during monsoon season. 

Congenial growth conditions not only support plant growth but pests also. The pest and fungal attack is quite common in this season as temperature and moisture both support their growth. Home gardeners shold be extra vifgilant about any pest attack. In case you notice any of this then spray  ‘Bavistin’ for fungal and ‘Malathion’ from pests.  

Time for rose cuttings   

Roses can be planted from September onwards till January. These require a well-drained, sunny location that receivs at least six hours of direct sunlight. Plant to plant distance should be two feet in the flowerbed. The bole (pit) should be two feet wide and two feet deep and filled with FYM and superphosphate to ensure strong root growth. Deep irrigation once a week encourages deeper roots and is preferred to light irrigation

Preparing flower beds 

Annuals of rainy season like Celosia, Cosmos, Gompherina and Zinnia, are  vulnerable to excessive water in flower beds. Therefore it is better not to have sunken flower beds. Rather it is advisable to have 2-4 cm deep shallow flower beds for these varieties especially. Irrigate these plants lightly only when the top soil shows signs of dryness  

Bulbs like tuberose (rajnigandha) thrive during monsoon and their flowering lasts till November. 

Crinum asiaticum  (spider lily), Zephyranthes in three colours of white, yellow and pink also do well in this season. 

Chrysanthemum  root stock terminal cuttings are taken in early July. The basal leaves should be removed and treated with a growth hormone and planted in a rooting medium (one part of sand and preferably one part of burnt rise husk) . These should be kept under shade and moisture should be maintained. The pot mixture should consist of one part of garden soil, one part of farm yard manure, two part of leaf mould, two table spoon of bone meal.  Captain (0.3 per cent) is administered to avoid rotting of cuttings.  In a month or so the cuttings will be ready to be planted in the pots. 

Pots

In pots water logging is caused if the drain hole is not plugged with a stone properly while filling the pot. It also happens when the root system in the pot develops so extensively that no space is left for the water to seep in. Indoor foliage pot plants must be taken for a rain bath.

Grass

Grass, which required regular watering in summer, is also susceptible to water logging. Mowing should be done frequently and before grass growth becomes dense. Over grown grass when mowed leaves behind brown patches giving ugly look to the lush green lawn. Weeds also are seen more prominently in this season. These should be uprooted as soon they are spotted. A fortnightly application of Urea 15 grams / sq meter is recommended.

Veggies

Vegetables in monsoon season should be sown on raised beds 6’-8’ to avoid water logging. Water requirement reduces during monsoon, therefore, irrigation should be done on need basis.  As a thumb rule, observe a plant in the morning, if the leaves are seen drooping that shows dehydration and watering.

Fruit trees

Fruit trees in the home garden are given a dose of farm yard manure now and another in Dec-Jan. A dose of fertilisers (NPK) before start of flowering and later at fruit set stage when flowers are shed and fruit appears. Deciduous fruit trees like plum, peach, grapes etc be given an application towards the end of rainy season.

Pruning 

A tree needs selective pruning for structural soundness, good appearance and controlling the direction of growth. It is a continuous process that involves the removal of dead, diseased and overgrown branches, improving air circulation, sunlight and new growth. Remove dead wood or dying branches injured by disease or severe insect infestation. Also remove rubbing branches that can cause bark wound and invites diseases.