Q. What kind of vegetables can be grown on a rooftop in Rawalpindi?

A. If the rooftop in question has the necessary sun and wind protection that is needed at some times of the year, and as long as suitably large containers/pots are used, you can grow exactly the same kind of vegetables up there as you can grow in the ground.

Q. Last August I decided to plant a tree every month and I have planted six so far. This being Karachi, I selected chikoo, Gul mohar, sohanjna and Indian badam so far. I buy saplings that are already six to eight feet tall as these require less care after being planted. Now that it is winter, I would like to know if I can continue my planting programme in this season. Also, which varieties of tree are good for the environment of Karachi, reach a large size and require little care to get established?

A. Congratulations on such a wonderful initiative and it is to be hoped that, after obtaining permission from any relevant authorities/private land holders, that many other people will follow your example. This would really help green up Karachi at a surprising speed. The winter months are the ideal time for planting trees, and trees planted now usually have a higher success rate than those planted in the blistering heat of summer. It is always best to stick with indigenous varieties of trees whenever possible.

Not only have indigenous trees evolved in concert with localised soil and climatic conditions, they provide food, nesting/breeding places for indigenous species of birds, butterflies, mammals and insects too. Of course, all of these have a role to play in creating, and then maintaining, environmental balance and harmony. Other tree species to consider include: lasura, Siris, Indian coral tree, Neem, Persian lilac, Cork tree, Rain tree, Tulip tree, Banyan, Pakar, Peepul, Gular, Drumstick or Horseradish tree, Imli, Kachnar, Silk cotton tree, Horse cassia, Madre, Ashok, Amaltas, Khajoor and Mango.

Q. I live in Islamabad and would like guidance about shopping for garden plants please.

A. Buying plants is the same process wherever you happen to be. Carefully inspect the plants that catch your eye — checking them over, in minute detail, searching for insects and/or their eggs both on top of and underneath leaves. Any plants with visible signs of insect, mould or other infections should be avoided, as should any plants that are shedding their leaves or whose leaves are discoloured/distorted.

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Select only plants which appear to be 100 percent healthy, with strong, undamaged growth. Do not listen to the nursery staff if they say that an obviously struggling plant will soon begin to grow and thrive; it is their job to make a sale and they are liable to try every trick on the book to do just this. It is preferable to have researched the habits and requirements of the particular plants you have in mind before going to the nursery or, at least, to have a little basic knowledge about what you want to buy. Do not be afraid of asking questions of nursery staff and of other, possibly more knowledgeable, people who are also buying plants.

Think carefully before making any purchases and, if in doubt, go home, think it over and go back another day. To buy plants in a hurry is quite often to end up with something totally unsuitable for the garden space at your disposal.

Q. Which are the easiest indoor and outdoor plants to grow in Islamabad?

A. There are no generalised ‘easy-to-grow’ plants, be this indoors or out. Much depends on the type of garden soil you have, the sun and wind exposure, and the availability of good quality irrigation water. Some plant species thrive in clay soils, some in loam and so on. Some species like full sun, others partial or deep shade. Some plants need to face north, others south etc. Once you have an understanding of what your garden has to offer to plants, you can then find out which plant species are most suitable for your location and these, selected wisely and cared for properly, should thrive.

Q. Where can I buy 100 percent organic vegetable seeds in or outside Karachi?

A. Ask your local seed sellers for information on this. Also, perform an internet search for Pakistan-based organic seed sellers on the internet. You should also join one of the many, preferably local to you, social media gardening pages and post an organic seed enquiry on there.

Q. Can apples be grown in DHA Karachi?

A. Sorry, but the climate of Karachi is not suitable for apple cultivation.

Q. Will chikoo and amrood grow in Karachi?

A. Yes. Both of these grow very well in Karachi.

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, December 27th, 2020