THE TRENDS, THAT ARE CHANGING THE PLANET EARTH, FOR WORSE..

Measuring nature loss, stalled efforts for a global plastics treaty, the impact of shrinking snowfall – these are the issues, impacting the climate, nature and sustainability in an ever-changing world, and towards worse.

Why #nature loss should be measured in the same way as #carbon emissions

Despite a long-felt moral obligation to protect nature, human activity continues to drive biodiversity loss despite the detrimental consequences to society, the economy and our planet.

To halt and reverse nature loss by 2030, the world urgently needs a unified framework to measure biodiversity decline and recovery – similar to how carbon emissions are tracked for climate action.

The Nature Positive Initiative has been consulting with experts and leaders from across the globe to create a framework that measures the state of nature and our impact upon it.

Talks on creating a “Paris Treaty for plastics” just stalled – here’s why, and what happens next

About 6 million tons of plastic leak into the ocean every year, the equivalent of one garbage truck per minute.

Global efforts to tackle this crisis have hit a roadblock as the UN negotiations to establish a global plastics treaty have stalled. Disagreements over the treaty’s scope, seen as crucial to addressing ocean pollution and its far-reaching impacts, have left progress uncertain.

The Alps see 30% less #snowfall than a century ago

A third less snow is falling in the Alps than 100 years ago.

Scientists gathered snowfall data from between 1920 and 2020 at 46 Alpine locations from Switzerland to Slovenia and discovered that average Alpine snowfall has plummeted by 34% in 100 years.

The drop in snow levels is a serious problem. From feeding glaciers and replenishing water reserves to its essential role in the region’s skiing and tourism sectors, snow is vital to both the environment and the economy.

(adopted from World Economic Forum)

Why Earthworms Matter in Organic Gardening

Earthworms are one of the most important indicators of soil health and a core part of any successful organic garden. Their presence signals rich, living soil full of biological activity. Their absence often means the soil is compacted, low in organic matter, or damaged by chemicals. When earthworms thrive, the whole garden thrives — here’s why.

1. They Improve Soil Structure As earthworms move through the soil, they create tunnels that loosen compacted layers and improve aeration. These channels allow roots to grow more easily and help water soak deeper into the ground. This reduces runoff, increases drought resistance, and creates a soft, crumbly soil texture that plants love.

2. They Produce Nutrient-Rich Castings Earthworm castings — their natural manure — are one of the most valuable organic fertilisers available. Castings contain essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals in forms that plants can absorb immediately. They also contain beneficial microbes and natural growth hormones that improve plant health and yield.

3. They Stimulate Soil Biology Healthy soil is alive with microbes, fungi, and beneficial bacteria. Earthworms help maintain this living ecosystem by constantly processing organic matter and introducing microbial-rich castings into the soil. This biological activity enhances nutrient cycling, helps break down organic material, and supports stronger, disease-resistant plants.

4. They Help Create Humus Humus — stable organic matter — is key to long-term soil fertility. Earthworms help build humus by breaking down leaves, compost, and plant debris and mixing them into deeper soil layers. Humus improves soil structure, increases moisture retention, and supports nutrient availability over time.

5. They Boost Soil Moisture & Reduce Erosion Earthworm tunnels act as tiny irrigation channels, helping water infiltrate the soil instead of washing away the surface. This reduces erosion, keeps soil in place, and maintains consistent moisture levels — especially important in Australia’s variable climate.

6. They Reduce the Need for Fertilisers Because earthworms naturally recycle nutrients, gardens with healthy worm populations need fewer external inputs. This supports sustainable gardening practices, saves money, and reduces reliance on synthetic fertilisers and chemicals.

How to Encourage Earthworms in Your Garden

• Add compost, mulch, and organic matter frequently
• Avoid synthetic chemicals and herbicides
• Keep soil covered with straw, leaves, or living plants
• Minimise tilling to protect worm burrows
• Maintain even soil moisture
• Grow cover crops to feed soil life

Final Thought

Earthworms are small creatures with an enormous impact. By improving soil structure, boosting fertility, and supporting the entire soil ecosystem, they are essential partners in any organic garden. Healthy soil is living soil — and earthworms are its most reliable sign

Urban Gardening: A Lifestyle for the Environment – 2026

As we embrace 2026, let us reaffirm our commitment to a sustainable future with our motto. India, amidst global uncertainties and economic recovery post-pandemic, continues to lead the way by integrating environmental stewardship into everyday lifestyles.

Urban gardening, once confined to ornamental plants, has now transformed into a movement of self-sufficiency, sustainability, and community well-being. From pots and lawns to thriving terrace gardens, urban agriculture has redefined how we interact with nature.

Urban Agriculture in 2026

Urban gardening is no longer just a hobby but an integral part of urban life. Its scope now includes:

• 1. Backyard Gardening
• 2. Street Gardening
• 3. Forest Gardening
• 4. Greenhouses
• 5. Tactical Gardens
• 6. Rooftop Gardens
• 7. Green Walls
• 8. Vertical Farms
• 9. Hydroponics
• 10. Aquaponics
• 11 Aeroponics

These methods empower people to grow fresh, organic, and healthy produce while contributing to environmental conservation. Let’s pledge to expand these practices and inspire our neighbors and friends to adopt them this year.

Community Efforts: A Case Study

Our HFS members have taken a significant step by creating school nutrition gardens in government schools across Ghaziabad. These gardens now enrich the nutrition of students in over 50 viable schools. Such community initiatives prove that together, we can make a difference.

Gardening Tips for the Season

Flowering Plants

Annuals: Continue feeding with bio enzymes, humic acids, or bio Vita. Stop pinching plants by mid-January to ensure blooms.

Frost Protection: Use sikri screens, plastic sheets, or move pots to sheltered areas.

Sweet Peas: Remove tendrils and tips for bushier growth.

Chrysanthemums: As blooms fade, sort plants by color and variety. Treat with liquid manure for robust shoots.

Foliage Plants

Keep watering minimal as plants remain dormant. Protect delicate varieties from cold winds and frost.

Vegetables

Continue cultivating, irrigating, and feeding with a mix of sarson khali and neem khali.

Seed Sowing: The first fortnight of January is ideal for sowing lettuce, carrots, beets, turnips, and radish. Start summer seeds like gourds and melons in protective environments.

Get areas ready for summer flowering annuals and place seed orders early Like Zinnia, Cosmos, Sunflower, Gomphrena, celosia,Kochia.Etc.

Bulbs

Bulbs of Amaryllis stored in the dark can now be planted in nutrient-rich soil or pots.

Tuberoses , caladium, eucharis, nerine , football lily, day lilies should be procured to be planted in February.

Fruits

Dig around fruit trees, aerate the roots for two days, and refill with a mix of cow dung, bone meal, nitrogen, phosphorus, potash, and micronutrients.

Pruning Tips:

For peaches, prune one-year-old shoots.

Trim banana suckers, citrus branches, and grapevines to maintain healthy growth.

Spray flowering trees with bio enzymes or seaweed solutions to prevent flower and fruit fall.

Urban gardening is not just about growing plants but about fostering a connection with nature. By sharing the fruits of your labor with helpers, neighbors, and friends, you strengthen community bonds while promoting sustainability.

As we move forward, let us champion urban gardening as a cornerstone of a sustainable lifestyle, ensuring a better future for ourselves and the planet. “One Earth, One Family, One Future” starts with each one of us.

Once again I wish you A Very Happy New Year 2025.

Let’s pledge to change our life by adopting a sustainable LIFESTYLE. Let’s reduce wastes by recycling and reusing.

Happy Gardening

India-Specific Home Gardening Trends in 2026

1. Climate & Sustainability
   • Water-efficient gardening: With urban water stress, drip irrigation, self-watering pots, and hydroponics are widely adopted.
   • Heat-resilient plants: Hardy species like bougainvillea, hibiscus, and drought-tolerant vegetables (okra, amaranth) dominate city gardens.
   • Pollution-mitigating greenery: Vertical gardens and rooftop plantations are used to reduce heat and filter air in cities like Delhi and Gurugram.
2. Urban Lifestyle Integration
   • Balcony & terrace farms: Compact edible gardens with herbs (tulsi, mint, coriander), microgreens, and climbers are popular in apartments.
   • Rooftop gardens: Designed as multifunctional spaces—food production, relaxation, and climate buffers against urban heat islands.
   • Pet-forward outdoor spaces: Families design gardens with safe plants and shaded zones for pets.
3. Technology & Smart Gardening
   • AI-powered apps: Indian gardeners increasingly use apps for soil health monitoring, pest detection, and planting schedules.
   • IoT sensors: Affordable kits track moisture, sunlight, and temperature, making balcony farming more reliable.
   • Community gardening platforms: Digital networks connect urban gardeners to share seeds, compost, and techniques.
4. Cultural & Aesthetic Choices
   • Sacred plants: Tulsi, neem, and banana trees remain central for cultural and spiritual reasons.
   • Jewel-tone flowers: Marigolds, hibiscus, and bougainvillea add vibrant color palettes.
   • Edible landscaping: Blending food crops with ornamentals—papaya trees alongside roses, or spinach with decorative coleus.

📊 Comparison of Global vs India-Specific Trends

⚠️ Challenges in India
• Water scarcity: Even efficient systems struggle during peak shortages.
• Urban space limits: Balcony gardens require careful design to avoid overloading structures.
• Heat waves: Plants may need shading nets or misting systems to survive extreme summers.

In essence, Indian home gardening in 2026 is about resilience—gardens that cool homes, clean air, and provide food, while reflecting cultural roots and modern tech.

Taking care of your roses..

And the award goes to…

It is again a proud moment for us, as one of our members, who has been awarded again for her efforts in promoting Agri-Tourism..

Amrita Bharti..

Caring for Poinsettias: Keeping the Festive Glow Alive

Poinsettias are the stars of the holiday season, admired for their striking red, white, or pink bracts that instantly brighten any room. Though often considered delicate, these tropical plants can remain vibrant well past the New Year with a little thoughtful care. Here is a simple guide to help your poinsettia look its best.

Protect from Temperature Shock
Grown in warm greenhouses, poinsettias dislike sudden cold. Even brief exposure to winter air can cause leaves to drop. Always cover the plant while transporting it from store to home or when moving it through chilly spaces.

Maintain Comfortable Indoor Temperatures
Poinsettias thrive between 13°C and 24°C. Keep them away from cold drafts near doors and windows, and avoid placing them close to heaters, radiators, or fireplaces. A stable, moderate temperature ensures longer-lasting color and healthier leaves.

Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Good light is essential for keeping poinsettias vibrant. Choose a bright location with indirect sunlight; harsh rays can scorch the foliage. A well-lit room is ideal for preserving the plant’s festive display.

Water with Care
Both overwatering and underwatering can harm poinsettias.
● Ensure the pot has proper drainage.
● Empty excess water from decorative wrappers or saucers.
● Keep the soil moist, never waterlogged.
Overwatering leads to yellowing leaves and root rot, while dryness can cause wilting and premature drop.

Avoid Fertilizing During the Festive Bloom

When in full color, poinsettias do not require fertilizer. If you choose to keep the plant after the holiday season, begin gentle

All the best
Happy Gardening!

Why Plants Die Even After Regular Watering
(For Adeniums, Cactus, Succulents & Vegetable Beds)

Many gardeners believe that more water means healthy plants. But in reality, most plants die because water does not drain out properly. Even if the pot or bed looks dry on top, water may be stuck below the soil, slowly damaging the roots.

What Happens When soil remains wet for long:

• ots do not get air and start rotting
• Plants turn yellow, leaves drop, and growth stops
• Fungal diseases increase
• Plants look weak even after adding manure or fertilizer

This problem is very common in adeniums, cactus, succulents, and also in vegetable plants.

Special Care for Adeniums

• Adeniums store water in their thick stems and roots.
• They hate standing water
• Even one or two extra waterings can cause caudex and root rot
• Soil must dry completely between watering

What to do:

• Use very fast-draining soil (sand + soil + compost)
• Always ensure big drainage holes
• Never keep the pot on a tray filled with water
• In winter, water very lightly

Special Care for Cactus & Succulents

Cactus and succulents are desert plants. Wet soil is more dangerous than dry soil. Root rot happens silently below the surface

What to do:

• Use gritty, sandy mix, not garden soil alone
• Clay or terracotta pots are better than plastic
• Water only when soil is fully dry
• No daily watering, especially in winter and monsoon
• Vegetable Beds & Grow Bags
• Vegetables need water, but not stagnant water.
• Waterlogged soil causes yellow leaves, poor flowering, and low yield
• Roots become shallow and weak
• Raise vegetable beds slightly
• Loosen soil regularly
• Mix sand or compost to improve drainage
• Ensure grow bags have open bottom holes
• Water in the morning, only when needed

Golden Rule for All Gardeners

👉 Always check the soil before watering. If soil sticks to fingers, do not water. Good drainage keeps roots healthy, plants strong, and gardens beautiful.

Remember: Overwatering kills more plants than lack of water.

Carbon Depletion — The Hidden Reason Behind Yield Decline 🌱📉

Farmers worldwide are using better seeds, advanced fertilizers, and stronger pesticides Yet yield is not increasing the way it should.

Why?
Because soil is losing carbon — the most important ingredient of soil fertility.
When carbon leaves soil, it takes productivity along with it.

🔍 What is Carbon Depletion?

It is the loss of organic carbon from soil due to:

❌ Burning / removing residues
❌ Excessive tillage
❌ Continuous chemical use without organics
❌ Soil erosion
❌ No crop rotation or cover crops

This turns living soil into dead soil.
🚨 Impact on Farming

1)Hard & compact soil → weak root growth
2)Less water holding capacity → more irrigation
3)Poor microbial life → low nutrient uptake
4)Increased cost → reduced profit

Carbon depletion is silently reducing soil health, crop quality, and farmer income.

🌿 How do we bring soil back to life?

✔ Add compost, FYM & crop residues
✔ Adopt biofertilizers and beneficial microbes
✔ Reduce tillage
✔ Practice crop rotation and cover cropping
✔ Use sustainable inputs that build soil carbon

Soil is not just dirt…
It is a living bank of carbon.
When we deposit more carbon, we grow more life.

Let’s rebuild our soils.
Let’s rebuild our future. 🌍🌾

World Soil Day: 10 reasons to celebrate the solution beneath our feet!

(Gratitude !David Lawrence Founder and CEO @ Land and Carbon, Inc. | Science-Driven Restoration and Carbon Solutions December 5, 2025)

What if the most powerful climate solution on Earth was already right beneath us, right now, right here?

Today, on World Soil Day, we celebrate the vital natural resource that supports life, livelihoods, and the future of our planet.

Here are 10 reasons soil deserves far more global attention and investment:

1. Soil is one of Earth’s largest carbon sinks.

Soils store more carbon than the atmosphere and all vegetation combined. Degraded soils hold enormous untapped potential for long-term carbon storage. Across the globe, several billion acres are degraded.  Land & Carbon restores degraded land to unlock that unfiled carbon potential.

2. Soil health = food security for billions.

Ninety-five percent of our food comes from soil. Restoring soil structure, fertility and root systems boosts productivity, yields and resilience, and with that – community stability.

3. Soil is water’s best friend.

Carbon-rich soils act like a natural sponge—retaining water in storms, and holding it during drought. We use combinations of deep-rooted perennial grasses and native plants, regenerative grazing, soil amendments, biochar, invasive species removal and other precision interventions tailored to the land to dramatically improve water infiltration, retention, and conservation.

4. Biodiversity begins underground.

A teaspoon of healthy soil holds more organisms than people on Earth. Reviving soils rebuilds the biological networks supporting plants, pollinators, wildlife, and whole ecosystems.

5. Restoring soil restores rural communities and economies.

When land recovers, livelihoods recover. We partner with landholders, agencies, NGOs, and communities to create new economic, ecological, and community value on marginalized lands

6. Soil regeneration is climate mitigation we can deploy today.

Restoration is proven, affordable and scalable. Our science-driven 2X Carbon approach integrates proven practices with Innovation Site-tested advancements tailored to each landscape.

7. Healthy soils reduce wildfire vulnerability.

Resilient, vegetated soils store more water, recover faster, reduce fuel loads, and limit invasive species. Our work accelerates post-fire restoration and resilience across rangelands, grasslands, farms, and forests.

8. Soil protects and cleans our water systems.

Healthy roots with improved soil structure filters pollutants, reduces erosion, and keeps rivers and aquifers clean. Our projects stabilize highly degraded soils, restore natural filtration functions and help conserve water.

9. Soil is the foundation of nature-based solutions.

Native plants and grasses, regenerative grazing, amendments, biochar, shelterbelts, and resilient roots all depend on living soil. Our large-scale projects integrate these tools and practices at an affordable cost and finance restoration through premium carbon credits.

10. Degraded land is a vast, overlooked opportunity.

What many view as “unproductive,” we see as regeneration in waiting.  We turn degraded land into a climate, water, food, biodiversity, and community solution.

On World Soil Day, we honor this resource that sustains life — and commit to restoring it.

The future is right under our feet. The problem is the solution.

Effective Ways to Maintain Soil Fertility and Moisture

1 Organic Matter Addition
Apply compost, manure, or crop residues to improve soil structure and increase nutrient content. Helps retain moisture and supports beneficial microorganisms.

2 Mulching
Cover soil with dry leaves, straw, or grass. Reduces evaporation, prevents erosion, and keeps soil cool.

3 Crop Rotation
Alternate crops (e.g., legumes and cereals) to prevent nutrient depletion. Legumes add nitrogen naturally through nitrogen fixation.

4 Cover Cropping
Plant cover crops (like clover or cowpea) during off-seasons. Protects soil from erosion and adds organic matter.

5 Conservation Tillage
Minimize plowing to preserve soil structure and moisture. Encourages earthworms and microorganism activity.

6 Use of Biofertilizers
Introduce nitrogen-fixing bacteria and phosphorus-solubilizing microbes.
Enhances natural soil fertility without chemicals.

7 Efficient Irrigation Systems
Use drip or sprinkler irrigation to reduce water loss. Ensures plants get adequate water while conserving moisture.

8 Contour Farming and Terracing
Reduces runoff and soil erosion on slopes. Helps retain water in the root zone.

9 Proper pH Management
Apply lime or gypsum to correct soil acidity or alkalinity. Ensures nutrients remain available for plant uptake.

10 Agroforestry Practices
Plant trees alongside crops to reduce wind erosion and improve microclimate. Tree roots enhance water infiltration and nutrient cycling.

From the Lense of the members

पलाश का पेड़ (टेसू / Flame of the Forest) 🌺

पलाश भारत का एक प्रसिद्ध देशी वृक्ष है, जिसे टेसू या ढाक भी कहा जाता है। बसंत के मौसम में इसके लाल-नारंगी फूल पूरे पेड़ को अग्नि की तरह दहका देते हैं, इसलिए इसे Flame of the Forest कहा जाता है।

🌳 पहचान

• मध्यम आकार का पर्णपाती पेड़
• बड़े तीन पत्तों वाला पत्ता
• फरवरी–मार्च में पत्तों से पहले फूल
• जंगल, सड़क किनारे और बंजर भूमि में भी आसानी से उगता है

🌼 फूलों का महत्व

• होली के लिए प्राकृतिक रंग
• पूजा-पाठ और धार्मिक अनुष्ठानों में उपयोग
• मधुमक्खियों और पक्षियों के लिए अमृत स्रोत
  🌿 औषधीय गुण (आयुर्वेद में उपयोग)
• फूलों का चूर्ण पेट के कीड़े, दस्त व सूजन में लाभकारी
• गोंद (कटक) कमजोरी और पाचन के लिए उपयोगी
• पत्ते त्वचा रोग और घाव भरने में सहायक
• बीज कृमिनाशक माने जाते हैं

🌱 पर्यावरण के लिए लाभ

• सूखी और बंजर जमीन में भी पनपता है
• मिट्टी को सुधारता है
• परागण करने वाले कीटों को आकर्षित करता है
• जैव विविधता बढ़ाता है
  

सांस्कृतिक महत्व

पलाश को भारतीय लोकसंस्कृति में बसंत, होली और नवजीवन का प्रतीक माना जाता है। गाँवों में इसे शुभ और पवित्र वृक्ष समझा जाता है।

👉 संदेश:

पलाश जैसे देशी वृक्ष न केवल सुंदर हैं, बल्कि स्वास्थ्य, पर्यावरण और संस्कृति – तीनों के लिए अनमोल हैं। आइए, ऐसे वृक्षों को बचाएँ और लगाएँ। 🌿🌺
Rama Tyagi