Q. Could you please inform me whether the Saraca asoca tree can be grown in Islamabad? I have some space in my garden and I am considering planting this tree.

A. You can grow the Saraca asoca, commonly known as the Ashoka tree, in Islamabad, but keep a few considerations in mind. It is better to buy a mature plant from a nursery rather than growing from the seed. Young saplings may not tolerate Islamabad’s winters. During the early stages of the plant life cycle, expose the plant to sunlight only from morning until noon. Once the tree grows strong, sunlight timing won’t matter. Red or orange flower clusters usually grow on a transplanted plant in a few years. Be extra vigilant in the initial years for best results.

Q. Please help me get rid of the white pests that are ruining my chilli plants. I have attached the photograph for your reference. I tried cleaning the leaves with vinegar and water but it didn’t work.

A. From the photo, this looks like a spider mite attack. Mix one spoonful of neem oil in one litre of water, add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap, and spray the mixture on the plant — especially on and under the leaves — every two to three days until the pests are gone. After eradication, prepare the same spray but without dishwashing soap and apply every fortnight to prevent new attacks.

All your gardening queries answered here

Q. I am new to gardening. I have a few raised beds, both in the balcony of the first floor and on the rooftop, with complete sunlight access. Recently, I purchased the bok choy plant in a plastic bag from a nearby plant nursery while eyeing a healthy food regimen in the future. Can you please guide me on how to care for the plant?

A. Bok choy needs at least 10 inches of soil depth and four to six hours exposure of direct early morning sunlight. In cities like Karachi, the plant can also thrive in shade. Otherwise, in scorching sunlight, like the one the city experiences from March to June, there is high possibility that the plant may bolt early. It is better to grow bok choy in a spacious area during early winter. For watering, ensure the soil remains moist throughout but not waterlogged — as waterlogging can be detrimental to plant health. When harvesting, pluck the outer leaves while keeping the middle leaves intact — this extends plant life and the harvest period.

Q. I am a young gardening enthusiast and I recently planted some tomato seeds. A few of them have sprouted. How long will it take for them to start producing fruit and how can I support them along the way? I live in Rawalpindi.

A. The current temperature in Rawalpindi is not ideal for growing new tomato plants. As the temperature rises, it becomes difficult for tomato plants to grow leaves and branches. Even if the plant survives, reaching flowering and fruiting stages is nearly impossible. I am not sure if you have planted a heat-tolerant variety. In any case, keep the plant under partial shade using a green net. Keep the soil moist at all times. Tomato plants usually produce fruit within three to four months, depending on the variety and growing conditions.

Please send your queries and emails to doctree101@hotmail.com. The writer is a physician and a host for the YouTube channel ‘DocTree Gardening’ promoting organic kitchen gardening

Published in Dawn, EOS, April 26th, 2026