Q. I live just outside Peshawar and want to know if I can grow pineapples in my garden here? Can olive trees be cultivated too?

A. If you reside in the Mardan or Swat districts then yes, both are possible as the Pakistan Forest Institute, Peshawar, in conjunction with the Agriculture Research Institute in Tarnab, are doing exactly this. They are also experimenting with species including cherries and coconuts, the latter being very surprising. They have hundreds of acres under Olea europea or ‘European olive’ which, I understand, are doing well as the climate in these areas is relatively mild. If, however, you live north of Peshawar then it may not be possible but you could give them a try.

Q. I have requested my daughter to bring blueberry and blackberry seeds from England. Are they suitable for the Islamabad climate and, if so, when should I sow them?

A. It is not an easy task to grow either of these species from seed, especially in Islamabad where neither the climate nor the soil are suitable. They both need highly acidic soil conditions and this must be very high, at least 90pc in pure organic matter such as well rotted pine needles. There is no need to go to the trouble of importing seeds though as, during late winter to early spring, both are available, in plant form, from specialist growers right here in Pakistan. But, unless you are a specialist in this field, I still do not recommend either for Islamabad.

Q. You wrote an article about Chinese Yams (Batatas) some time ago. I came across some Chinese Yams in a supermarket while in the US on a short visit. They look exactly like potatoes. If I bring some back will they grow in Karachi?

A. Yes, I wrote about ‘Dioscorea batatas’ which is just one of the many species of Chinese yams but the edible tuber of this species resembles a huge, white carrot not a potato. It is the seed of this which looks just like a miniature potato. I do not know which variety you have found but, unless they have been irradiated to prevent them from spoiling/growing, they may very well grow in Karachi providing that optimum, well drained, soil conditions are prepared.

Q. We have just moved into a new house in Lahore and it has a huge, central stairway where I want to grow something. I did think of some kind of palm tree but my husband thinks a creeper would be better. What is your advice please?

A. Something simple like money plants, botanically called Pothos aurea are preferable to a palm tree whose leaves would, in time, probably invade the actual stairs. Money plants are simple, fast and can be trained or tied to the stairwell railings or even fastened to the walls.

Q. I live in DHA, Karachi and almost two years go planted a Badam (almond) tree in my backyard kiari. For some time I have been noticing that the tree is having a leaf curling issue. I tried some medicines but they have no evident result. Please help me with this issue and also give some tips on caring for this tree.

A. Botanically called Terminalia catappa and growing to a huge width rather than height, these edible nut bearing trees, are prone to leaf curl when grown in localities where their naturally extensive root system is confined or where the soil lacks essential nutrients and trace elements. As such, a small kiari is certainly not the best place for a badam tree but you can try top feeding the soil with old, well rotted, organic manure mixed with a generous doze of Epson salts and see if this helps. Leaf curl will not kill the tree but it does, admittedly, detract from its look.

Q. I read that eucalyptus trees keep mosquitoes away. Is this true and, if so, can I grow one in a pot on my third floor apartment balcony in Lahore?

A. Yes, it is true that the scent of eucalyptus does keep mosquitoes away, especial Eucalyptus citriodora which, as the name indicates, has a wonderful citrus, rather lemony, aroma. The problem is though, most species of eucalyptus currently available in Pakistan, grow into huge trees so are not suitable on a balcony as, even if kept cut back, a pot does not allow their root systems enough space to develop. If you can track down a very dwarf or even bonsai specimen it could help but it will be much easier for you to grow some other mosquito repellant plant — lemon grass, indigenous ‘tulsi’ or strongly aromatic mint instead.

Please continue sending your gardening questions to zahrahnasir@hotmail.com. Remember to include your location.

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