Double petunia
Q. I would love to grow all the beautiful flowers you suggested for the upcoming winter months in Karachi. The problem is that while petunia, dahlias and roses are easy to find, ranunculous, nemophila, calendula and many more are not. Please let us know where to find the seeds or the plants or provide links to online forums where we can buy these and other varieties of plants.
A. Ranunculus corms (these are like bulbs) and an increasingly wide range of flower seeds, including ‘Calendulas’ can be found in garden supply stores during the autumn months. These are also sold as seasonal pot plants in many city nurseries, as are countless other gorgeous flowers. I understand your frustration in sourcing the flowers you would like: seeds for all those mentioned in this column can be found in outlets in Karachi, Lahore or Islamabad and sometimes in other locations as well. There are online seed sellers and plant suppliers operating in Pakistan now.
Q. What is compost tea and how is it prepared and used?
Answers to your gardening queries
A. Compost tea is made by soaking small amounts of ‘in process’ compost in water. Compost tea is not fully decomposed but is in the final stages of decomposition. Once it is mixed with water, a small amount of molasses (obtained from sugar mills) can be added which encourages the mixture to ferment, thus creating a nutrient mix high in beneficial bacteria. This can be sprayed directly on soil or on plants and is excellent stuff.
Q. In a previous column, you mentioned that sprays are washed away by rain, heavy dew and watering. How does watering the soil wash the spray away?
A. It sounds as if you are one of the extremely few gardeners who does the correct thing and waters the soil not the plants themselves. Please continue to do so and unless it rains or the dew is heavy, the spray will remain on the plants without being washed away. The majority of gardeners erroneously water directly on to their plants which is not a practice I would advise.
Q. Are Goji berries and wonder berries both names for the same fruit?
A. Yes, they are. Goji berries, botanically known as Lycium barbarum go by quite a few common names with wonder berries and wolfberries being just two examples.
Q. I live close to the sea in Clifton and my garden gets a strong sea breeze most of the time. Are there any recommended plants, vegetables, fruits or flowers for these conditions?