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Brace up for weather vagaries

Weather has remained unpredictable this year, with the region experiencing a harsh and extendedwinter this year. Consistent rain has kept the tempertures low till almost mid March this time.

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Amarjeet Singh Batth

Weather has remained unpredictable this year, with the region  experiencing a harsh and extendedwinter this year. Consistent rain has kept the tempertures low till almost mid March this time. As humans we just have to add some clothing layers to stay warm, but for the plants it is not that simple to survive the unpredictable weather. This kind of weather calls for a close monitoring of plants, especially of the exotic tropical varieties, and a  gardener has to be extra vigilant about certain key areas. Here’s  a look at some of these:

Delayed bloom 

Temperature and light have tremendous impact on the growth and blooming patterns of plants. Usually from mid-Feb to mid-March the average day length is around 11 hours plus.But due to inclement weather and cloud cover the intensity of the sunlight has been reduced this year. This has affected flowering annuals. In normal conditions, temperatures during spring range between13-15 C at night and 23-25C during daytime. But due to rains this time the temperature has remained below the average, causing late and irregular bloom. Water spill on plants has made flowers  rot sooner. To save flowering plants, thus, it is essential to cover these with a light-weight polythene sheet.  

Drainage

Good drainage is essential for the growth of plants.  When it rains for a long period, especially during February-March, immediate drainage of excess water in flower beds and pots should be ensured.

Staking 

Some tall flowering annuals such as antirrhinum, corn flower, helichryson, and larkspur etc, which may not require staking otherwise, will need it this time as strong winds are lashing the region. Potted plants can be grouped closely or shifted next to a wall or kept in sunny varandhas.  

Diseases and pests    

A long wet spell also means an open invitation to bacterial and fungal pathogens on foliage and roots. Aphids, thrips and mealy bug become active in this type of weather. To check mealy bug Chlorpyrifos 3-4  ml/ liter of water should be sprayed and repeated application done till the pest is eliminated. Small population of aphids can be cleared by using high pressure water jet. Spray Malathion 50 per cent EC 2 ml / liter of water.   

Finally, prolonged winter should not disturb the summer plantation routine. Be on schedule to plan and sow seeds for summers annuals like coreopsis, cosmos, gaillardia (blanket flower), gomphrena (bachelor button), sunflower and zinnia. But be cautious about the inclement weather conditions till seedlings are in nursery.    

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