Q. We recently purchased some land on the outskirts of Islamabad and want to plant fruit trees, mainly oranges and kinoo there. How do we prepare the land for this purpose and what other fruit trees can we grow?

A. Much depends on what was cultivated on the land previously as different crops use up different nutrients, minerals and other essential trace elements. Generally speaking, citrus requires good drainage and cannot stand to have its roots water-logged but does need regular irrigation during hot, dry weather which usually coincides with its flowering and fruit setting period during late spring. Soil should be rich in natural, organic material such as compost, leaf mould or, as you are just starting out, old, well-rotted manure can be used until you get your own composting under way. Citrus also needs plenty of iron in the soil and, as you are starting from scratch, adding a good-sized handful of iron — not stainless steel — nails to the base of each planting hole should provide enough iron for many years as the nails take a long time to rust away.

Please avoid the use of any chemical inputs whatsoever and work to ensure a completely natural balance all round as this will also reduce the likelihood of pests and diseases. You can also grow lemons, grapefruit, apricots, plums, nectarines, peaches, papaya, banana, chikoo, grapes and many other fruiting trees and vines.

Q. A part of our land area is partially covered with trees and is relatively shady. Can we make a lawn underneath the trees and, if so, what kind of grass should be used? We reside in Islamabad.

A. Forget about grass please: Grow shade loving, preferably edible, plants instead with lettuce (in the summer) and herbs including a variety of mints and thyme being given a priority.

Q. I am a tech guy who is very interested in growing vegetables on my balcony. I started about a month ago with four clay pots and one fruit crate, but only one pot which had three pea plants and two hot pepper plants, showed any progress. I transplanted the peppers to another clay pot but they did not like being moved. Where am I going wrong, please?

A. Winter is the wrong season for growing peppers, hot ones or otherwise. Peppers need hot weather and the hotter the weather the hotter the pepper. Also, sowing peppers and peas in the same pot is not a good idea as, if left together, the peas will strangle the peppers! Next time, use good quality, organic compost and, on this small scale, grow each variety separately.

Additionally, it is difficult to assess the problem completely as you failed to mention which way, north, south, east or west, your balcony faces. Adequate sunlight is just as important as good soil and enough, not too much, water.

Q. I am having difficulty getting the potting soil/mix for my pots. The soil is too heavy to carry up to the roof top where I am making a garden. Please advice as I believe that kitchen gardening is a good way of saving the natural world.

A. Time to start a compost bin, preferably more than one, on the roof so that you will, in time, have all the top quality compost needed to make your enterprise a success. Meanwhile, I suggest that you invest in organic compost from the market so that your plants get off to a good start.

Q. I planted rocket in a pot a few weeks ago and it has grown well but has begun producing flowers. Is this good or not?

A. When rocket begins producing flowers it is telling you one of two things: Either its life span is over and it is going to make seeds to reproduce itself, or it is not getting enough water and so, earlier than is normal, switches into flowering/seed producing mode to ensure survival of the species. If, at the first sign of flower formation, you nip the buds out, this can encourage the plant to produce more leaves before it tries to flower again but, you can only slow it down not prevent it from completing its life cycle. Let it seed, harvest the ripe seed and start again.

Q. I am growing spinach in pots and water it twice a week, in the morning. Some of the leaves are turning yellow. Am I over-watering?

A. Watering should always be done in the evening not the morning. The yellowing of leaves, I suspect, means that drainage needs attention as the plant roots may be water-logged as watering twice a week is certainly not too much. Check that the drainage holes in the base of the pots are clear.

Q. I planted broccoli in October and out of the 12 plants flowers have started to form only in two. How much time before I can get something to eat?

A. Patience please! Broccoli is not a fast grower and it also needs rich growing conditions. Hopefully, as long as the soil contains plenty of nutrients, you will get your crop in time.

Please continue sending your gardening queries to zahrahnasir@hotmail.com. Remember to include your location. The writer will not respond directly by e-mail. E-mails with attachments will not be opened.