Q. I have a six-year-old pomegranate tree but when the fruit is almost ready to harvest it develops black spots, becomes rotten and falls off. Please suggest a spray to cure the problem.

A. The problem is caused by a fungal infection caused by high humidity and/or by overly-wet soil conditions. Nothing can be done about high humidity in the atmosphere of course, but if the tree branches are overcrowded, pruning out excessive growth during January/February will increase localised air circulation and may help to at least reduce the problem. Among other organic methods of controlling such fungal attacks is improving root drainage and paying strict attention to watering which should be often but little, instead of a heavy soaking all at once. All infected fruit, including that which has fallen, should be removed as it harbours fungal spores which are reactivated in future humid conditions. Also clear up fallen leaves, other plant debris and weeds from all around the tree as these provide hiding places for fungal spores too. It would have helped if you had mentioned your location as localised soil and weather conditions play a major role in this. I do not recommend potentially-toxic chemical solutions.

Q. I have a small apartment balcony in Karachi. It gets sunlight between 2pm and 5pm. I want to grow some low maintenance, ornamental plants. Can you suggest some please, with their local names if possible?

What to do when fruit trees do not yield healthy fruit

A. Cacti and succulents are simple and flowering or otherwise colourful should suit you perfectly. Other suggestions being: Sanseveria (Mother-in-law’s-tongue), Zebrina and Tradescentia (both commonly known as ‘wandering Jew’), Ficus elastica (runner plant), Asparagus fern, Coleus with their brightly-coloured, many hued, velvety leaves and a selection of seasonal flowers for ever-changing bright colour and general interest.

Q. I have an amazing lemon tree in my garden: it grew in such a manner that fruit was way larger in size than normal. For the last two years, it gave a very high yield but now the fruit drops before it ripens and the ones that stay on the tree burst and split open. What is the problem and how can it be resolved?

A. It sounds like the tree was initially planted in very rich soil and that it has used up available soil nutrients now: this would explain the small fruit size and it shedding fruit before it is ripe. The tree is in urgent need of feeding, preferably with 100 percent organic, old, well-rotted, manure combined with organic compost or with a suitably blended compost tea. To get it back to its former glory, treat it to such a feed every three or four months around the year. Bursting/splitting citrus fruit points straight to incorrect watering. Citrus trees must have regular watering when fruit is developing; lack of water followed by a heavy watering/rainfall compels the tree to take a much-needed, overly-fast drink and it is this sudden intake of water which causes the fruit to split. Regular watering is the way to prevent the fruit from splitting.

Q. Can I grow olive trees near Gujranwala?

A. It is worth a try. Please contact your local agricultural department for suggestions about exact varieties suitable for your location.

Q. My coconut tree is 22 years old but stopped producing nuts two years ago. What should I do to get it to begin producing again?

A. The tree is hungry! Coconut trees should be fed every six months (December and June being ideal) to keep them in good health and if they are to keep on producing delicious nuts which they are grown for. Recommended fertiliser per mature coconut tree being one kilogramme of sea salt spread on the soil surface around, but not touching, the tree trunk, covered with a thick layer of chopped up coconut debris (such as dried fallen palm fronds, coir/outer husk of coconuts), sprinkled in turn with half-a-kilo of good quality fish meal and, finally, thoroughly watered. Watering should be repeated at weekly intervals. If you find the smell of fish meal offensive, cover fish meal with a layer of organic compost or sweet earth to reduce it. The smell should vanish completely after a few days but it is worth tolerating as the tree will thank you in nuts.

Q. Please explain the difference between using ground coffee beans, instant coffee, powdered coffee and coffee grounds for use in gardening. I am a bit confused.

A. Only one type of coffee is used in the garden and that is the coffee made by grinding up 100 percent coffee beans. This ground coffee (it can be purchased ready ground) is then brewed to be drunk — the left over residue remaining in the bottom of the coffee pot is called coffee grounds and it is these that are highly beneficial in the garden where they have a number of uses. Instant coffee and powdered coffee are not used in the garden as they are usually adulterated by other ingredients.

Q. Can rotten money plant leaves be put back in the same pot or should they be thrown away?

A. No. It’s best to add them to the compost heap or to dispose of them in an otherwise sensible manner.

Please continue sending your gardening queries to zahrahnasir@hotmail.com. Remember to include your location. The writer does not respond directly by email. Emails with attachments will not be opened.Commercial enquiries will be ignored

Published in Dawn, EOS, December 10th, 2017