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Q. Can elderberries, tansy, comfrey, nettles and absinthe be grown in Pakistan, particularly in Lahore?
A. Two of these, elderberries (Sambucus nigra) and nettles (Urtica dioica) are indigenous to Pakistan, mainly from the Murree Hills northwards and all can be cultivated in the aforementioned areas. Additionally, comfrey (Symphytum), can be cultivated throughout the Punjab providing that plenty of shade and lots of water are given. Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium) is an excellent plant to grow around vegetable plots as it helps in keeping both snails and slugs away: this plant, being more heat tolerant than comfrey, may also succeed in Punjab as long as it receives plenty of water on a daily basis during the hot months of the year.
Q. I want to make a Juniper bonsai but the last time I bought a Juniper it died on me. Will Juniper and pines grow in Karachi?
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A. With proper care and attention, juniper can be grown in Karachi but pine trees are not recommended.
Q. My coconut palms are four years old and beginning to flower and fruit but most of the small fruit is dropping in spite of fertilising with one kilo salt, as per your advice, plus one kilo chemical fertiliser and manure. What do I need to do for the trees to retain their fruit? My orchard is in Malir.
A. Young coconut palms do not have the same capacity for fruiting as mature ones and naturally reject (drop) a high percentage of nuts in the early stages of development. As the palms mature they will be able to retain more nuts. Aside from the age factor, coconut palms will drop their nuts if the trees are short of water when fruit is developing. Heavy watering is essential right from the flowering stage through to harvesting of ripe fruit. An annual or six monthly application of salt is important for coconut palm health and manure is also fine but never apply salt and chemical fertilisers at the same time: to do so can be harmful. Coconut trees much prefer natural, organic solutions to any chemical interventions.
Q. The upper leaves of my papaya tree have started shrivelling but the lower ones are still okay. Please suggest a remedy. I live in Lahore.
A. A heavy aphid infestation can cause the leaves to wrinkle and curl in on themselves so please check the underside of the leaves for bugs. If they are present, spray liberally with warm, soapy water — water with the addition of a mild dish washing liquid or even with baby shampoo is fine. Repeat the spray each evening until all sign of the pests has vanished and the tree will recover in time: it may shed badly damaged leaves in the process but this is normal.
Alternatively, it could be that the top part of the tree is exposed to the wind, perhaps having grown higher than a protective wall. Papaya leaves dislike chilly breezes and need protection from them which is why, in the Lahore area and northwards, papaya trees are generally grown against a south facing wall where they have a better chance of thriving than in a colder spot.
Q. I am trying to create a garden in my new home in Karachi but there are no earthworms in the soil. I know that earthworms are good for the soil but do not know how to encourage them. How can I do this? I try to put all of my kitchen waste and water from washing fruit and vegetables in the garden. Is there anything else I can do?
A. Earthworms are indeed a vital ‘ingredient’ for soil health and I am delighted that you are inviting them into your garden. They are often present in well-rotted manure so it is a good idea to obtain some for general garden use: this will be good for your plants and will also provide the exact material that earthworms adore. These useful creatures also relish the conditions created by the making and use of organic compost.
Presumably you are composting your kitchen waste before using it in the garden — if not then please make a start — earthworms enjoy living and breeding beneath compost heaps too. Regular use of well-rotted manure, organic compost and organic mulching materials will assist earthworms to multiply in your garden soil.
Q. I am trying to find a Terminalia belerica tree. I searched the internet and found that its local name is Bahera but nursery people around Rawalpindi and Islamabad do not recognise this name. The tree is, according to the internet, grown widely in Rawalpindi. It bears brown nuts and I really would like to buy one. Help needed please.
A. I think you may have the botanical name wrong. Terminalia catappa could be what you are looking for and, if so, it is commonly known as Jungli badam not bahera which is the Hindi name for T. bellerica. Please contact me again if I am wrong.
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.
Published in Dawn, EOS, October 28th, 2018
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