Fuzzy quinces | Photos by the writer
Q. Which grape variety is most suitable for the Peshawar climate?
A. Just last year, the Pakistan Agricultural Council concluded in-depth research on this subject. Their findings place King’s ruby at the top of the list for the agro-climate of Peshawar. King’s ruby is a seedless, early maturing grape which doesn’t split as rapidly as some other varieties. If a green/white grape is your preference, then another seedless variety, Abasin-2000, also performed exceptionally well in field trials.
Q. If I grow Sundar khani grapes in Peshawar will it bear fruit?
All your gardening queries answered
A. It should if correctly cared for but do keep in mind that Sundar khani grape is primarily grown for drying into sultanas rather than for the table. If it is a table grape you want, please refer to the answer to the previous question.
Q. When is the best time to re-pot a pot-grown tree?
A. During winter when it is dormant or, in the case of an evergreen, relatively dormant, and certainly before new growth begins to appear in early spring is also good time.
Q. I have about 30 coconut palms in my Darussalam Society, Karachi garden. The trees are planted about 12 feet apart, get plenty of water and sun and the soil is very good and salt free. The problem is that approximately 80 percent of the coconuts dry out when just one to two inches in size. Kindly advise a remedy.
A. A coconut palm does not carry all of its ‘buttons’ — as very tiny coconuts are called — through to maturity but shedding 80 percent is a high percentage to lose. Since you are certain that the palms are well-irrigated, and as long as they are not water-logged, I would suggest that the problem is that of nutrition. A mature coconut palm needs approx 20 to 25kgs of organic compost each year: this can be divided into half and applied as surface mulch, around but not touching the trunk, at six-monthly intervals (twice a year). In addition to this, 2kg pure wood-ash — ash made by burning fallen palm fronds and other, disease free, coconut palm waste is ideal — along with 0.5kg common salt, should be given to each tree immediately before the onset of the summer monsoon. Salt is essential for the health of the coconut palm. If none of this, please check for insect or fungal infestation and get back to me.