Little Wonders

With spring round the corner,so are flower shows and blooming competitions. In fact,one can choose to display in any category viz cut flowers section...

With spring round the corner,so are flower shows and blooming competitions. In fact,one can choose to display in any category viz cut flowers section,potted plants section,cacti and succulents and bonsai section. While the rest of the categories have eager participation,it’s the bonsai category which sees very few participants and even if they are there,most of the exhibits do not conform to the specifications of different types. And at this stage,those who have already made bonsai cannot modify these old specimens. Giving prizes in such cases is,therefore,more of encouragement for participation on technical grounds.

* How long does it take for radish to be available after planting the seed?
Vandana,Chandigarh
Depends on the variety you have planted. However,in general,radish may take from 30 to 45 days from seeding to root formation.

* Can I plant cucurbits (ghia,karela,kakri) etc now? Any precaution to be taken while planting?
Sukhdeep Singh,Chandigarh
Have you finished with your winter vegetables? Yes,you can plant cucurbits now if any of the beds are available. Make sure to soak the seed overnight and as the leaves emerge,keep an eye for red pumpkin beetle that devours leaves on emergence from the young vines. In that case spray sevin (carbaryl),dissolved at two gram to a liter of water. Repeat spraying after a fortnight.

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* I am participating in a gardening show and entering my garden in the home garden section. Is it okay to tell the judges of my gardens plus points when they visit? Will it reflect negatively?
Usha,Chandigarh
In fact judges know what they are looking for in a garden but it is not a discredit if you explain. Keep moving with them telling about bits and if asked explain any particular feature.

* Most of the time I think the participants bring plants/flowers from market and display in the competition. Is it right? How can this practice be checked?
Manjit Singh,Panchkula
In fact,the judges know it at once when they locate a bloom that is exotic in nature and cannot be grown here. Such exhibits are not considered. In case of common types,it is practically not possible to know whether the bloom was plucked from garden or brought from market. In case a particular complaint is received,the organisers could consider it.

Ask Dr Green at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in

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