Down to Earth: Dr Satish Narula

The accompanying picture shows two things — the mass effect and the contrasting combinations. The plantation has to be in larger quantities to get maximum effect. Notice the white in the background in contrast with the red in the front. The time to plant winter annuals is approaching fast. This is the time to plan and plant. So before planting make a plan on the paper. These days you can get plants with known height and colour of the bloom. Make a good plan and go out to get winter annuals matching your plan. If you do not get one species, there are substitutes that will enable you to fulfill your dream plan in the garden.

What is the best time to sow winter annuals? Please inform if nasturtium and carnation can be sown now.

Sumitra, Chandigarh

It's getting late; do it now. And yes, both of these can be sown at this time.

What is the right time to add fertilizer and manure to roses? When should I do the pruning?

Ram Kumar, Chandigarh

This is the right time to prune the roses and also to add manure and fertilizer.

I think I am late in planting fruit trees. Can I plant litchi, mango and chickoo now?

Rajshewar, Panchkula

No, you are not late. You can plant these fruit plants right away. But don't delay it even by a week now.

Can I grow sage here, in Mohali? What is the best time to transplant winter annuals in the beds? My plants are almost ready.

Rajesh Gupta, Mohali

Yes, you can grow sage in Mohali. The best time to transplant winter annuals has started — go ahead and do it.

For gardening queries Ask Dr Green at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in

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