LIVING IN HARMONY, INCLUSIVE OF NATURE
Our homes are our small world where we live, and try to live harmoniously amongst various members staying in: mother, father, husband, wife, son, daughter etc.
We try to maintain the peace of the house, the sanctity of the kitchen, and look after the corner, where we do worship by lighting up a candle, incense or whatever.
So, we try to maintain harmony with all the elements of the home.
Now, let us extrapolate this statement. Let us take this world, or earth as our house, and trees, plants, rocks, mountains, minerals etc its elements.
With this similarity, are we not supposed to try and maintain harmony amongst various elements that co-exist with us on earth?
As we look around us, there are ample evidences of technological advancements and huge urbanization all over the earth.
In a way, we have disconnected from the very source of our existence: nature.
Living inclusively with nature means fostering a harmonious relationship with our environment, our earth, understanding its rhythms, and making choices to preserve it. So, here are pointers how to live harmoniously with nature.
UNDERSTANDING OUR IMPACT
Awareness: Each one of us must know the impact that we have when we do activities in our daily routine. Get to know the carbon footprint that we leave right from the coffee that we sip to the waste produced by us, for example by using single-use plastic. Imagine the footprints left when we eat a product that has been grown or manufactured hundreds of miles away.
Mindful consumption: Support eco-friendly brands. Choose local products. Small steps like using bicycle for short distances instead of a bike can make a huge difference in the long run.
REDUCING WASTE
Reuse and Recycle: Before throwing into garbage, think if it can be repurposed. Engage yourself into community effort of reducing waste and composting the waste.
Practice Minimalism: Declutter. It is not only good for nature, but also decluttering invites positive vibes. Use durable and long-lasting things.
CONSERVE NATURE
Water conservation: Make water conservation a habit. Do rainwater harvesting. Use water-efficient appliances.
Energy Efficiency: Use energy-efficient appliances. Consider renewable energy resources. Reduce energy consumption.
SUPPORT BIODIVERSITY
Local, Native plants: Plant native species in your terrace gardens. Native plants provide food and shelter to pollinators, wild life etc.
Wildlife corridors: Preserve green spaces and species living in them. Ensure we do not encroach upon their habitats to avoid conflict.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORTATION
Public transport and bicycle: Reduce your carbon foot prints by using public transport and bicycles. Walking short distances is a good idea.
Electric Vehicles: Consider using electric or a hybrid vehicle for transportation.
COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
Local Organisations: support local organisations, institutes etc in drive towards nature, like tree planting, clean-up drives. Adopt trees and look after them.
Catch them young: Introduce sustainable living right from the schools for the young generations.
Hence, living inclusively is not a choice, but a necessity for the well-being of our planet and our future generations.
Let us pledge to make a difference!
(with support from internet)
WALKING IT, FOR THE CAUSE OF GREEN EARTH
Amrita Bharti has done it, AGAIN. It was a proud moment for all of us, when Amrita Bharti, founder of HARYALI FARMS, was awarded the coveted MILLIONAIRE FARMER OF INDIA award in a ceremony in New Delhi.
Gardening in December: Protecting Plants from Frost
As December brings cooler temperatures, reaching lows of around 7°C, gardeners need to be vigilant to protect frost-sensitive plants. Even mild frosts can harm vulnerable plants like citrus trees, bougainvillea, philodendrons, dieffenbachias, aglaonemas, tulsi, fuchsias, salvias, and succulents. With a few careful steps, you can help safeguard your garden when temperatures dip below freezing, especially in colder regions like Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Kashmir.
- Cover Plants Before Nightfall
If frost is expected overnight, cover tender plants such as angel’s trumpet (Brugmansia), bougainvillea, citrus, fuchsia, penstemon, salvia, succulents, water lilies, and tree ferns. Young and recently planted specimens are often more susceptible to frost damage than mature ones.
To cover your plants, place stakes around them and drape green nets or frost blankets over the stakes, keeping the blanket off the plant itself. For larger plants like gardenias and tree ferns, cover the crown and wrap the trunk. Remove covers each morning to prevent overheating. Lightweight blankets or old bedsheets work well as covers; avoid using plastic tarps as they can trap moisture and cause further damage.
- Use a Cold Frame
Cold frames are great for extending your growing season for cold-sensitive plants, like potatoes, lettuce, and spinach, or for starting spring seedlings early. A cold frame traps heat and moisture, creating a mini greenhouse environment. You can easily build one using bamboo or other materials if you prefer a homemade solution.
- Protect with Cloches or Plastic Bottles
For individual plants in beds, cloches or cut plastic bottles can provide inexpensive protection. Simply place them over tender plants to shield them from frost.
- Apply Mulch
A 3- to 4-inch layer of mulch (wood chips, straw, or sirkis) around tender shrubs and perennials helps insulate the soil and protect shallow roots from ground freezes.
- Bring Small Potted Plants Indoors
Small potted plants, particularly succulents and tender herbs, are best moved indoors during cold spells. Keep them in a sunny spot throughout the season or, if needed, bring them outside during the day for more light.
- Move Large Potted Plants to Sheltered Spots
Cold winds can worsen frost damage by rapidly drying foliage. To reduce exposure, move large potted plants to sheltered areas like under eaves, the canopy of large trees, or even into a garage. Wrap the pots with frost blankets for extra insulation.
- Water Well
It may seem counterintuitive, but watering before a freeze can actually help frost-tender plants. Watering during the day allows plants to absorb moisture, making them more resilient to nighttime temperatures. Avoid spraying foliage, as any remaining moisture on leaves can freeze and cause further damage.
- Delay Pruning Frost-Damaged Plants
While frost-damaged foliage may look unsightly, it actually protects the lower parts of the plant from future freezes. Wait until the last frost has passed before pruning back damaged areas. Pruning too early can expose plants to further cold damage, which may lead to plant death.
Winter Mixture for Seasonal Flowers
Prepare a nutrient-rich mix for winter-blooming flowers. Combine the following ingredients and apply 2 teaspoons per 10-inch pot every 15 days:
- 5 kg Neem khali
- 5 kg Mustard cake
- 2.5 kg DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate)
- 1 kg Bone meal
- 1 kg Zinc
- 1 kg Muriate of potash
- 10 kg Cow dung manure
General Winter Gardening Tips
- Roses: Expect roses to be at their best during this season.
- Cannas: As cannas fade, apply rich manure and water thoroughly toward the end of the month.
- Plumerias: Feed plumerias with nutrient-rich manure for healthy growth.
- Chrysanthemums: Enjoy chrysanthemums at their peak.
- Flower Beds and Borders: Hoe and irrigate as needed, but avoid over-watering.
With these winter gardening tips, you’ll help your garden thrive despite the chill, keeping it vibrant until the warmer months return.
Happy Gardening
Rama Tyagi
Email: tyagirama1@gmail.com
WHY MY PLANT IS DYING
It could be a plant disease or bug infestation or it could be any of the following:
- Not enough water in the soil?
- Or… Too much water in the soil?
- Not enough plant food in the soil?
- Or too much plant food in the soil? (Too much will BURN the roots with too much nitrogen!)
- Not enough sunlight?
- Or… Too MUCH sunlight??
Too much salt build-up in the soil from watering with tap water? (If this happens ~ usually the leaves brown and dry up from the tip first, and the leaf turns yellowish before it dries up.)
Everything is a matter of BALANCE!
It’s hard to say with seeing only one photo, and no extreme close-ups of soul, roots, or tops AND bottoms of leaves.
Look UNDERNEATH all of the leaves for possible mites or other bugs.
Put a white piece of paper underneath a leaf and tap the leaf. IF TINY black specs land on the paper then it has mites. (Treat it with a mite-icide, but ONLY IF it has mites! Don’t use it if it’s NOT mites!!)
Sometimes plants just shed leaves periodically, and there’s actually nothing is wrong with the plant. If new leaves keep unfurling and growing don’t panic. Just take the dead leaves off at the stem WITHOUT INJURING the stem!! Be careful!
Happy Gardening !
Rama Tyagi
tyagirama1@gmail.com.
LEAVES TURNING YELLOW?
Leaves turning yellow is often a sign of chlorosis, a condition where the foliage lacks chlorophyll, the pigment essential for photosynthesis. This change can happen due to various reasons, from environmental factors to natural plant ageing.
1. Lack of Light
Plants need adequate light for photosynthesis, and without it, leaves may fade to yellow. If your plant isn’t getting enough sunlight, research its specific light needs. For potted plants, moving to a sunnier spot may help. For plants in the ground, consider pruning nearby shrubs to reduce shade, or, if possible, transplanting it to a sunnier area.
2. Lack of Water
Yellow leaves can signal insufficient water. Even a few hot days may stress plants, causing the leaves to yellow. To remedy this, water the plant deeply and consistently to maintain soil moisture.
3. Excess Water
Overwatering can also turn leaves yellow by waterlogging soil and blocking oxygen from roots. Clay soils are especially prone to poor drainage. Avoid planting in poorly drained areas, or amend soil with compost, or consider raised beds for better drainage.
4. Nutrient Deficiency
Nitrogen deficiency is often linked to yellowing leaves, but other nutrients like iron, manganese, or zinc can also be responsible. Observing the pattern of yellowing can indicate which nutrient is lacking, but a soil test will give the most accurate diagnosis.
5. High Soil pH
Alkaline soils (above pH 7) can restrict iron availability, causing yellowing. Plants like blueberries and azaleas, which need acidic soil, are more susceptible. A soil and pH test can identify if adjustments, like adding sulfur, are needed.
6. Fertiliser Burn
Leaves can appear scorched if too much fertilizer is used, as soluble salts draw moisture from roots, or if fertilizer is spilled on leaves. To prevent this, water immediately after applying granules or use slow-release organic fertilizer.
7. Pesticide or Herbicide Burn
Pesticides sprayed on stressed plants or in extreme weather can cause yellowing or burns on leaves. Apply sprays on dry, cool days and avoid using them on plants already stressed from other conditions.
8. Fungal or Bacterial Diseases
Tomatoes, for instance, are vulnerable to diseases like early blight and fusarium wilt, both of which start with yellow leaves. Once a disease is present, remove the affected plants. Prevention includes choosing disease-resistant varieties and practicing good garden hygiene.
9. Insect Damage
Pests such as spider mites and whiteflies can cause yellowing, particularly in vegetables. Early detection is crucial for managing infestations before they spread and cause further damage.
10. Normal Ageing
Sometimes, yellow leaves are simply a sign of aging. Older leaves at the bottom may yellow and drop off as part of the plant’s natural cycle, which isn’t usually a cause for concern.
By addressing these potential causes, you can often prevent or remedy yellowing leaves, promoting healthier, greener plants.
Happy Gardening
Rama Tyagi
तुलसी का पौधा
सर्दियाँ शुरू होते ही आपकी तुलसी के आस पास बहुत सारे पौधे निकल गए होंगे, या किसी से मिल जाएंगे क्योंकि इन्ही दिनों, तुलसी की जर्मीनेशन होती है, अत्यधिक तो अपने घर, बगिया में लगाइए तुलसी जी, तुलसी का पौधा लगाने के लिए, इन बातों का ध्यान रखें:
गमले का आकार मध्यम या बड़ा होना चाहिए!
मिट्टी में 50% कोको-पीट और 50% वर्मीकम्पोस्ट (केंचुआ खाद-कामधेनु ) मिलाएं और गमले में भर दें!
अगर आप पौधे को एक गमले से दूसरे गमले में लगा रहे हैं, तो पहले गमले में सूखी मिट्टी डालें, फिर तुलसी का पौधा जड़ से लगाएं, और फिर खाद वाली मिट्टी डालें।
गमले के लिए मिट्टी के गमले का चुनाव करें, जिससे पानी इकट्ठा न हो। सीमेंट या प्लास्टिक के गमले न चुनें, क्योंकि इनमें पौधे को ज़रूरी पोषक तत्व नहीं मिल पाते और वह जल्दी मुरझा जाता है।
तुलसी का पौधा उत्तर या उत्तर-पूर्व दिशा में लगाएं। इससे घर की नकारात्मक ऊर्जा दूर होती है और घर में सकारात्मक ऊर्जा का प्रवेश होता है। तुलसी का पौधा कभी भी साउथ या साउथ वेस्ट दिशा में न रखें।
धार्मिक मान्यताओं के मुताबिक, गुरुवार और शुक्रवार का दिन तुलसी का पौधा लगाने के लिए बहुत शुभ माना जाता है।
चैत्र माह के गुरुवार या शुक्रवार को तुलसी का पौधा लगाया जाए, तो यह और भी शुभ माना जाता है। अगर आप आर्थिक तंगी से जूझ रहे हैं, तो शनिवार के दिन तुलसी का पौधा घर में लगाएं।
शनिवार के दिन अभिजीत मुहूर्त (सुबह लगभग 11 बजे से 12 बजे के आस-पास) में तुलसी का पौधा लगाना लाभकारी होता है।
तुलसी के पौधे में हफ्तावार Humicare, Nzyme और Aminoz का छिड़काव करें ताकि अच्छी बढ़वार के लिए आवश्यक पोषक तत्व ऑर्गेनिक स्वरूप में मिलते रहें। तुलसी हरी-भरी रहे इसके लिए उसमें हल्दी का पानी डालें।
अगर आप चाहते हैं कि आपका तुलसी का पौधा साल के 12 महीनों हरा-भरा बना रहे, तो इसके लिए हमेशा मिट्टी के गमलों का चुनाव करें, जिससे गमले में पानी इकट्ठा नहीं होता।
पौधे को धूप व हवा बराबर मिलती रहती है। वहीं अगर आपने सीमेंट का गमला चुना, तो पूरे चांसेज हैं प्लांट के सूखने के।
इसके अलावा प्लास्टिक के गमले भी न ही चुनें तो बेहतर। इससे भी पौधे को जरूरी पोषक तत्व नहीं मिल पाते, जिससे वो जल्दी मुरझा जाता है।
पानी का रखें ख्याल
गमले की मिट्टी अगर थोड़ी गीली है, तो उसमें जबरदस्ती का पानी न डालें। गर्मियों की अपेक्षा सर्दियों में पौधों को कम पानी डालें।
इन बातों का रखें खास ध्यान –
- दो- तीन महीने में एक बार तुलसी के पौधे की ट्रीमिंग करते रहें।
तुलसी के पौधों से मंजर काट कर अलग करते रहें, पौधे घने होंगे!
तुलसी के पौधे पर लगी मंजरी को तुलसी माता के सिर का भार माना जाता है। ऐसे में, तोड़कर हटा देना ही शुभ होता है।
गमला बदलें, तो इसके पौधे की जड़ को सावधानी से रिप्लेस करें।
- तुलसी के पत्तों में छेद नजर आ रहे हों, तो इसका मतलब उसमें कीड़े लग रहे है, तो इसके लिए Aza_D नीम ऑयल पानी में मिलाकर स्प्रे करें।
"तुलसी वृक्ष ना जानिये। गाय ना जानिये ढोर। गुरू मनुज ना जानिये। ये तीनों नन्दकिशोर।
अर्थात-
तुलसी को कभी पेड़ ना समझें, गाय को पशु ना समझे और गुरू को कभी साधारण मनुष्य ना समझे, क्योंकि ये तीनों ही साक्षात भगवान रूप हैं।”
FROM THE LENS OF OUR MEMBERS..
