Bees for Hire?

‘If the bees disappeared from the surface of the earth, then man would have only 4 years left to live..’ this might seem more proverbial, but should work as a stark reminder of the (a) important role bees have to play as pollinators, and (b) that they are disappearing fast due to various reasons:

• Habitat loss
• pesticide use
• climate change
• diseases and
• parasites.

We firmly believe in ‘if you don’t have them, hire them’. And this idea has turned scientist-turned-apiarist Nitin Kumar Singh of Barabanki into an bee-entrepreneur.

So, now Nitish inventory of 600 boxes, each having about 1,25,000 bees travel across the nation to whosoever needs them. From Litchi-growers of Muzaffarpur in Bihar to apple-growers of Himachal Pradesh, these bees fulfil the promise of a good crop.

Nitish has more than 30 research papers to his credit published in International journals, it was the call for saving the environment that was main motivation to be in this business.

As per the studies, there has been a drop of more than 20% in bee population in general, and upto 80% in state of Odissa, due lack of pollen sources and nectar.

Besides, fluctuations in temperatures and rainfall patterns have also disrupted their nesting behaviour. This decline in bee population can effect in the following ways: reduced crop yields, potential food security issues, and reduction in plant bio-diversity.

The work place of Nitish, about 27 kms from Lucknow, UP, is a riot of colours: bright yellow sunflowers, ripe red tomatoes, crop of millets, mustard and mint, and so on. The area has no high tension cables, n0 high rise towers, and no pesticides used.

Though not so popular among the locals, these bees are in high demand from apple growers in Himachal Pradesh and orange growers in Nagpur.

About 15000 sq ft of area needs about 10-20 boxes, However, this business is also full of unique challenges like any other business.

So, next time you need pollinators for your fields, you know you have hired pollinators to help!

Happy pollination…..

Gardening in June

Vegetables

JUNE : All gourds, Brinjal, Cucumber, Cauliflower (Early), Okra, Bitter gourd Onion,Sem,Tomato,Pepper ,zucchini, summer squashes, cucumbers, and melons. Though we had planted summer vegetables in March but many of you who couldn’t can still go ahead.

Plant these crops on hills or in mounds where the soil stays warmer. Add a spade-ful of compost or well-rotted manure into each hill. Summer vegetables should be kept evenly moist. Transplants should be watered every day until they are well established. Don’t let tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, melons, zucchini, squashes, or cucumbers go dry – this will impede quick and even growth which is essential for sweet, tasty fruits at harvest.

PLANTING EGGPLANTS AND PEPPERS:

Be patient with eggplant and peppers. These crops require a soil temperature of 70°F (21°C), the daytime air temperature above 70°F, and night air temperature above 60°F (15°C). Sun and heat are essential for these plants to reach flowering and fruiting. Protect crops in the garden from extreme hot temperatures. Hold off feeding until eggplants and peppers blossom then use moderate nitrogen and high phosphorus and potassium. Use Epsom salts to stimulate root structure.

PLANTING CUCUMBERS:

Like eggplants, cucumbers thrive in warm weather. Cucumbers mature quickly and are easy to look after. Pinch out the growing tips of cucumber plants when seven leaves have formed. This will keep the plant at a manageable size. Once flowers appear, water cucumbers regularly; avoid washing soil away from the roots. Feed every two weeks with liquid manure once the first fruits have started to grow.

Okra

Okra is a heat-loving annual plant that requires 55 to 65 days with temperatures consistently above 85°F (29°C) for full growth, flowering, and pod development. Okra is a tender, heat-loving annual that grows 4 to 7 feet (1.2-2.1m) tall and produces a green and sometimes red seed pod which is harvested when 3 to 5 inches (7-12cm) long and sometimes longer. Okra has prickly stems and large maple-like leaves and large, yellow, hibiscus-like flowers with red or purplish centers. Mature pods contain buckshot-like seeds. Grow 6 okra plants for each household member. Companion plants. Basil, cucumbers, eggplant, melons, peppers. Container growing. Okra does not grow well in containers. Choose spacing-saving varieties for container growing.

Okra growing in garden: Established okra plants can be kept on the dry side; stems rot easily in wet or cold conditions.

CARING FOR OKRA

Water and feeding. Keep okra evenly moist until established. Established plants can be kept on the dry side; stems rot easily in wet or cold conditions. Add aged compost to planting beds in advance of planting and again at midseason. Add gypsum if the soil is slow draining. Care. Pods contain a sticky sap that may be difficult to remove from clothing or tools. Prickles on pods can cause an allergic reaction.

Pests. Flea beetles and aphids may attack okra. Pinch out aphid-infested vegetation or knock flea beetles and aphids off plants with a strong stream of water.

Diseases. Okra is susceptible to verticillium and fusarium wilt which will cause plants to suddenly wilt, dry up, and die, usually in midsummer just as plants begin to produce fruits .

Beans

There are many varieties of beans you can grow like

• Lobia beans
• French beans
• Clover beans
• Green gram beans
• Gvar fali etc

Grow beans in full sun, 8 hours of sun or more each day. Beans will grow in partial shade but the harvest will not be full. Grow beans in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Prepare planting beds in advance by working 2 to 3 inches (5-7cm) of aged compost into the soil. Avoid planting beans where soil nitrogen is high or where green manure crops have just grown; these beans will produce green foliage but few beans. Beans prefer a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.8. Keep the garden clean and free of debris. Remove and dispose of infected plants. Rotate crops to prevent the buildup of soil-borne diseases.

FEEDING CROPS

Spring-sown and transplanted crops will be ready for an extra nutrient boost as soon as they begin to flower. Side-dress young plants by drawing a circle with your finger around each plant at its drip line to a depth of about 1 inch (2.5cm) deep.

Sprinkle a tablespoon of organic fertilizer around each plant or add a line of aged compost; work it gently into the soil with a hand tool and then water well. The extra nutrients will help blossoms develop into fruit and yield sweet-tasting vegetables.

Tomato irrigation: Consistent even moisture is essential for vegetable growth.

WATERING CROPS

When the weather is dry, water summer crops so that moisture reaches deep to the roots. Slow watering is best. Most crops want an inch of water each week–this means soaking the soil down to a depth of 4 to 5 inches (10-12cm). Stick your index finger into the soil to gauge watering. Water in the morning or evening when evaporation by the sun is low.

WEEDING

Stay ahead of weeds. Weeds compete with vegetables for moisture and nutrients. Don’t let them get a foothold in the garden. Those who had sown seeds earlier must check pests and spray to control them. Do put traps for fruit flies otherwise you will not be able to enjoy your fruits of labor. Enjoy your vegetables and keep on growing them to remain healthy.

Flowers

You can sow seeds of

Balsam :Impatiens balsamina. This is self seeding plant bearing red ,white, purple ,pink hues which add colour in the garden. These days hybrid and double variety has also come into the market. So try.

Marigold: You can sow it’s seeds now to have early blooms.

Moss Rose Purslane: You can still raise plants from the cuttings .

Happy Gardening.

Rama Tyagi
tyagirama1@gmail.com

June Gardening Tips

June in Your Garden: A Fresh Start for Summer Vegetables

Missed the March planting season? No problem! June is still a great time to plant summer vegetables. Here’s what you can grow now:

Brinjal, cucumber, cauliflower (early), okra, bitter gourd, onion, sem, tomato, pepper, zucchini, gourds, summer squashes, and melons.

Planting Tip: Sow on raised mounds to keep the soil warm. Mix compost or well-rotted manure into each hill.

Water Wisely
● Keep soil evenly moist — this is key for sweet, healthy fruits.
● Transplants need daily watering until established.
● Never let tomatoes, eggplants, or cucumbers dry out, or fruit development will suffer.
● Water in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

Focus Crops This Month

Eggplant & Peppers
● Thrive in warm soil and air (70°F+).
● Feed only after flowers appear — use low-nitrogen, high-phosphorus fertilizers.
● A dash of Epsom salt encourages root growth.
Cucumbers
● Pinch tips after 7 leaves to keep size manageable.
● Water regularly once flowering begins.
● Feed biweekly with liquid manure when fruit starts forming.
Okra
● Needs consistent heat (above 85°F).
● Not suitable for containers unless using compact varieties.
● Keep established plants on the dry side to avoid rot.
● Handle with care — pods can irritate skin.

Beans Galore
Sow lobia, French beans, green gram, clover beans, and gvar fali.
● Full sun (8+ hours) is ideal.
● Avoid high-nitrogen soils.
● Add compost and keep weeds at bay.
● Rotate crops to prevent disease buildup.

Feeding & Fertilizing
Once your plants begin to flower:
● Side-dress with compost or organic fertilizer around the base.
● Gently mix into the soil and water well.
● This helps flowers turn into healthy, tasty vegetables.

Weed & Pest Control
● Weed regularly — they steal nutrients and water.
● Set fruit fly traps and monitor for pests like aphids and beetles.
● Remove infected plants promptly.

Flowering Beauties to Sow in June
Balsam (Impatiens balsamina)
A colorful self-seeding flower in red, white, pink, and purple. Hybrid and double varieties available.
Marigold
Sow seeds now for early blooms.
Moss Rose (Purslane)
Still time to propagate from cuttings.

Stay Green, Stay Healthy

Enjoy the joy of watching your vegetables and flowers grow. Gardening is not only therapeutic but also a step toward healthier living.

Happy Gardening!

— Rama Tyagi
Chairperson
Horticulture Floriculture Society
tyagirama1@gmail.com

From the lenses of the members..

Putting the best foot forward, towards Mother Earth..

Glimpses..

‘GARDEN TRAY WORKSHOP’

A ‘Garden Tray Workshop’ was organised by the society for the benefit of the members. Our congratulations to Sonia ji and team.

फलदार पौधे : उनकी खुराक की पूर्ति

हमेशा कहा गया है कि जो भी फलदार पौधे आपने लगा रखे हैं, उनकी खुराक की पूर्ति जरूर करें। सिर्फ फल के समय आपको ये ध्यान आता है कि दवाई डालनी है, ताकि फल ना गिरे। बाकी पूरे साल में सिर्फ 1 या 2 बार आप देसी खाद डालकर सोचते हैं कि खुराक की पूर्ति हो गई, लेकिन खुराक की कमी की वजह से पौधा फल गिरा देता है।

इसलिए वर्ष में 3 से 4 बार देसी खाद के साथ सरसों खल 3 से 4 kg (पानी में घोलकर), नीम खल 2 से 3 kg और अन्य खाद पदार्थ डालकर कुछ फर्टिलाइजर स्प्रे भी करें। एक स्वस्थ पौधा ही आपको बहुतायत मात्रा में फल दे सकता है । नहीं तो आपकी नाम मात्र खुराक में तो बेचारा सिर्फ जिंदा रह सकता है।

It has been a matter of great pride for us that our society has been front-runner in making the masses aware about the importance of taking care of our mother earth and environment.

Towards this, the society put up a stall in the exhibition to commemorate THE WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY during 04-05 Jun in Greater NOIDA.

Health First..

As we are aware, many variants of COVID virus have started emerging. It is of utmost importance that we take care of ourselves. As a social responsibility towards the health of the society, we are publishing a check list as advised by Dr Vinod from AIIMS.

सभी परिवार के सदस्य कृपया ध्यान दें कोविड का फ़िर से आगमन हो गया है…

• कोई भी खाली पेट न रहे
  उपवास न करें
  रोज एक घंटे सुबह सुबह धूप लें
  AC का प्रयोग न करें या सीमित करे
  गरम पानी पिएं, गले को गीला रखें
• सरसों का तेल नाक में लगाएं
  घर में कपूर वह गूगल जलाएं
  आप सुरक्षित रहे । घर पर रहे i
  आधा चम्मच सोंठ हर सब्जी में पकते हुए डालें
  रात को दही,छाछ ना खायें, न पिए
  बच्चों को और खुद भी रात को एक एक कप हल्दी डाल कर दूध पिएं
  हो सके तो एक चम्मच चवनप्राश खाए
• घर में कपूर और लौंग डाल कर धूनी दें
  सुबह की चाय में एक लौंग डाल कर पिएं
  फल में सिर्फ संतरा ज्यादा से ज्यादा खाएं
  आंवला किसी भी रूप में चाहे अचार , मुरब्बा,चूर्ण इत्यादि खाएं।

यदि आप Corona को हराना चाहते हो तो कृप्या करके ये सब अपनाइए। हाथ जोड़ कर प्रार्थना है आप सबसे, आगे अपने जानने वालों को भी यह जानकारी भेजें।

दूध में हल्दी आपके शरीर में इम्यूनिटी को बढ़ाएगा।

…….. सभी आईटी सैल इस पोस्ट को जमकर के शेयर करें सभी से मेरी अपील है इस पोस्ट को ज्यादा से ज्यादा शेयर करें रातों रातो हमे यह मैसिज सभी को पहुचाना है

Monthly meet of the Socety

A monthly meet of the society was held, where Mr Archit conducted a workshop for the benefit of members.

Flower Bulbs in June

Introduction

In horticulture, the word bulb includes underground modified stems which are used for propagation e.g. bulb, corm, tuber and rhizome. Plants with tuberous roots are also grouped as bulbous plants. A large number of these plants producing attractive flowers are grown in the hills and are commercially important plants in floriculture. Many types flower well both in plains and hills but the season of growth and flowering may vary.

A bulbous plant has normally three phases during a year—growth, flowering and dormancy.

Cultivation

Bulbs prefer loam or sandy loam soil. In stiff clay, rooting is delayed and too much moisture often causes rotting. If the soil is not perfectly well-drained, the bulbs may be planted on a bed of sand. Watering is not required after planting as the fleshy underground stems contain sufficient food materials to develop initial growth of root and shoot. Before root formation, watering proves injurious to the bulbs and helps in rotting.

Bulbs, corms, tubers and rhizomes are used for vegetative propagation. Various methods used for propagation are as follows.

Division of clump—Rhizomatous plants the Canna, Alpinia can be divided into small clumps. Offsets produced laterally are separated for multiplication. Cormlets or bulblets produce new plants. Bulbs, corms, rhizome or tuber are usually planted when they have shown signs of sprouting after dormancy.

The planting materials are normally placed deep in the soil and the soil around it is gently pressed. The depth of planting varies with the type or plants and size of bulbs. For most of the bulbous plants grown in tropical gardens, the planting depth is between 3-10 cm.

Most of these plants require sunny conditions, while Eucharis, Zephyranthes thrive better in semi shade; few types, e.g. Pancratium, Haemanthus, Zephyranthes grow and flower well in sun and semi shade. Bulbs, corms and tubers should not come in direct contact with fresh organic manure, rhizomes are not usually affected. Time of planting depends on the season of flowering, environmental condition of the region and condition of the planting material.

CALADIUM (Araceae)

The genus comprises about 16 herbaceous perennial species with tuberous rhizomes. They are a native of tropical America and are widely grown in warm humid climates for the beautiful and attractive foliage produced during the rainy season. Some of the important species are Caladium bicolor, C.humboldtii, C.picturatum, and C.schomburgkii. Numerous varieties have been raised particularly from C.bicolor.

Leaves are usually peltate-sagittate, stalks variegated, blades are with very many shades of colour, e.g. variegated green, blue green, dark green, light green, spotted with white, red, transparent white, etc. leaf veins may be red, silvery or green. Leaf margins are coloured with purple, white, yellow or red. In some species, the shape of the blade is lanceolate-sagittate. Flowers are unisexual.

The pot compost for planting Caladium should be prepared by mixing loamy soil with leaf mould and well-decomposed cow dung manure. It prefers moist but porous soil. Application of liquid manure at frequent intervals enhances growth and improves colour of foliage. Caladium is propagated through division of the tuberous rhizome and rarely by seeds. It is planted in summer and leaves show a fine display of colour in the rainy season.

The leaves start fading in autumn and water is gradually withheld until they have withered. In dormant condition, the rhizome may be allowed to remain in the soil or dug out and stored in a cool and dry place.

COOPERIA (Amaryllidaceae)

The genus is named after Joseph Cooper, an English gardener, comprises about 6 species native to North America, and differing from Zephyranthes by the long perianth tube and erect anthers. They are tender bulbous plants with the habit of Zephyranthes but blooms only at night. Important species are C.drummondii and C.pedunculata. Flowers are fragrant, white, and sometimes tinged with red or pink.

Flowers are solitary, the perianth subtended by a bract like spathe. Leaves are long, narrow flat and twisted and appear along with the flower. It is cultivated in a semi shady location and in sandy loam soil. Addition of well-rotted compost, sand and charcoal dust in beds or pots is beneficial. Cooperia is propagated by bulbs. It is planted during spring in a rock garden, border or in pots and starts blooming during May-June

COOPERANTHES (Amaryllidaceae)

This genus is a product of intergeneric hybrid between species of Cooperia and Zephyranthes, first raised in 1900 by Percy Lancaster at the Agri-Horticultural Society, Alipore, Calcutta. Hybrid between Cooperia oberwettii x Zephyranthes robusta is known as Alipore Beauty, is probably the best known Cooperanthes. Flowers are light lilac, rose or white.

It grows well in well-drained sandy loam soil, rich in organic matter and in semi shade. Cooperantes are propagated by bulbs. They are planted in the spring and the plants start flowering by the end of summer. They are grown both in bed or in pots and are good as cut flowers

CRINUM (Amaryllidaceae)

The genus Crinum, comprises more than 100 species of large and showy flowering bulbous plants. They are closely allied to Amaryllis and distinguished by the longer perianth tube. The species cross freely and many fine hybrids of Crinum, between Crinum and Amaryllis and Crinum and Hymenocallis are known. Some of he important cultivated species and hybrids are C. longifolium, C. mooriei, C. powellii, C. variabile, C asiaticum, C. augustum, C. careyanum, C. yuccaeflorum, C. giganteum, C.zeylanicum. Flowers are usually white or in shades of red and purple.

The stems arise from the tunicate bulbs with a more or less elongated neck. Leaves are large, about 150 cm long and 12-15 cm wide, evergreen or deciduous, depending on the species. Flowers are regular, often highly scented, tube narrow, with six segments and usually funnel-shaped. In some species flowers are 30 cm long and 15 cm wide.

Most of the species prefer shade or semi shady locations for planting. Crinums usually have large bulbs, sometimes as much as 60 to 80 cm long with numerous fleshy roots. If planted in beds, the soil should be dug to a depth of two to three feet, mixed up well with sufficient quantities of rotten cow dung and compost. It can also be grown in large pots containing soil rich in organic matter.

Bulbs should be of good size and planting is done to a depth below the ground level, twice the size of the bulbs. The plant will grow and flower for years, if watered in the summer months and top dressed with fresh loamy soil around new vegetative growth. Bulbs are planted in April to get flowers during the rainy season

EUCHARIS GRANDIFLORA ( E.amazonica) (Amaryllidaceae):

Eucharis is an important bulbous plant, popularly known as `Amazon Lily’. It prefers semi shade and flowers better in plains than on the hills. The bulbs are globular in shape, leaving large lanceolate. The flowers are about 7 cm across, white, sweet, scented, and 5-7 blooms appear on a stalk. Eucharis grows better in pots than in the ground and the compost should be rather rich and heavy instead of sandy, but must not be often disturbed. It flowers in the summer and rains and the leaves begin to wither before the winter.

GLORIOSA (Liliaceae)

as the name implies, the genus Gloriose means’ full of glory’, popularly known as climbing or creeping lily. They are tall creeping plants, supporting themselves by means of tendril which arises from leaves. This genus comprises about six species of rhizomatous plants native of Africa and tropical Asia. Important species, commonly grown in the gardens in India are G.superba and G.rothschildiana. Leaves are oblong, lanceolate. Flowers are showy on long pedicels in leaf axils, perianth of 6 distinct long segments ; stamens six with versatile anthers.

Well-drained soil in a sunny location is ideal for planting Gloriosa and the attractive flowers make a fine display of colour when trained on bamboo frame work or low trellis. Gloriosa is vegetatively propagated from rhizomes, which may be cut in pieces and planted to a depth of 3-4 cm in April-May.

The plant flowers in July-August. After flowering is over the plant begins to wither and the rhizome becomes dormant. If left undisturbed. Gloriosa continues to produce flowers for several years in the same place. Application of liquid manure once at the active phase of vegetative growth and another just before flowering is recommended.

HAEMANTHUS (Amaryllidaceae)

Haemanthus is one of the popular and attractive bulbous plants, commonly known as Football Lily or Bloody Lily. The genus comprises nearly 60 species, native of South and tropical Africa. The flowers are red, crimson, scarlet, pink and some species are white or pale green in colour. Some of the important species are H.multiflorus, H.magnifica, H.lindenii, H.albomaculatus, H.coccineus, H.tigrinus, and H.candidus.

Bulbs are usually large with thick skin. Stems green, short, thick and fleshy. Leaves are usually large and luxuriant, turn yellow and dry in the winter months, the scape is sometimes curiously coloured. Inflorescence is a dense, many flowered umbel, perianth straight and erect with a short cylindrical tube. Flowers are showy and produced in ball-like heads. Fruits berry like, indehiscent. Flowers often appear before the leaves or sometimes simultaneously.

To plant in beds, the soil is deep dug and mixed with well-rotten compost and planted 40 cm apart. It grows well in pots and small pots are preferred. Application of organic manure in the rains and liquid manure before flowering is beneficial and the plants will continue to flower for several years in the same place.

They are propagated by offsets, which should be detached from the mother plant during spring. The bulbs are planted in pots or in beds during spring season to bloom in summer and early part of the rainy season.HEDYCHIUM (Zingiberaceae)
Hedychium consists of 40 species of rhizomatous herbs native of Asia and several species are grown for their beautiful and fragrant flowers in both plains and hills. It prefers semi-shade and moist soil and produces many flowered large spikes during July-October. The leaves die before winter.

HEMEROCALLIS (Liliaceae)

Hemerocallis is popularly known as Day Lily as the flowers last for a day and the blossoms fade at night. This genus consists of more than a dozen species and they are mostly native of China and Japan. The plants are very hardy, stout rooted, glabrous, perennial herbaceous plants, admired for their showy blooms.

The leaves are almost grass like, 2 ranked at the base of the scape. Flowers are lily-like, large funnel shaped, yellow or reddish orange or brown in colour. Though the individual flowers last for a day, many flowers open successively to keep the lasting beauty for a long period.

Hemerocallis grows in a wide variety of soil. While planting, the ground should be dug to a depth of 50 to 60 cm and mixed up with well-rotted compost. They take a year or two to establish properly and should not be disturbed very frequently. Planting is done in February to March and flowering continues from May to August.

Propagation is by division of the clumps and also by seeds. Some of the species are self-sterile and seeds can be obtained easily by crossing two species. Many new-varieties with attractive large flowers of various colours have developed by hybridisation. After 4-5 years, Hemerocallis clumps may be forked out during January-February separated and can be replanted again in the planting season.

POLYANTHES TUBEROSA (Amaryllidaceae) Tuberose

Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), a native of Mexico, is widely grown in the plains of India and blooms profusely during the summer and rains, flaunting its fragrance outdoors and indoors. Most artistic garland, floral ornaments, bouquets and buttonholes are made from these flowers. The long spike of flowers is excellent for table decoration. The flowers remain fresh for days together and bathe the atmosphere with their sweet pleasant fragrance.

The tuber is bulb-shaped and the plant is commonly classed among the `Bulbs’. The leaves are 70-80 cm long, narrow, linear and radical, bright green in colour. The flowering stalk which emerges from the centre of the cluster of leaves is about 80-120 cm long bearing successively smaller long pointed clasping leaves, uppermost ones are much reduced and bract-like. The flower buds are tubular. Flowers are 5-6 cm long, borne in pairs in an open spike pure wavy white, highly fragrant, tube 2.5 to 3.0 cm long, slightly bent near the base, expanding widely where it meets the oblong obtuse segments.

There are three types of tuberose in cultivation – single’ with one row of corolla segments ;semi-double’ bearing flowers with two to three rows of segments and `double’ having more than three rows of corolla segments. Though there is no popular named variety in tuberose. ‘The Pearl’ is known to be a variety in the double flowered type. A variety with variegated leaf bearing single flowers is also grown. Single flowered types are more widely cultivated than the other types.These days coloured tuberose in pink and yellow are also available in the market.

The bulbs remain dormant during the winter months in places where the temperature is low and if early planting is desired, the dormancy can be successfully broken by dipping the bulbs in 4% thiourea solution for one hour. Normally tuberose begins to flower in 90 –95 days after planting. It flowers during the summer and rains (April-September) in the plains of eastern part of the country and from May to July on the hills, while in milder climates tuberose flowers well throughout the year.

Bulbs having diameter 2.0 and 2.5 cm show satisfactory growth and flowering. The average life of a flower spike is about 10-15 days in situ, while that of an individual flower varies from 4-6 days. Vase life of a spike varies from 7-10 days, depending on the environment and change of water. The spikes remain fresh for a longer period, if kept in 4% sugar solution.

Tuberose can be successfully grown in pots, beds, borders, shrubberies and rockeries. Propagation is by means of seeds and bulbs. Vegetative propagation is commonly practiced and desirable too, because such plants produce better flowers within a short period after planting.

The land should be thoroughly cultivated until the soil comes to good tilth. A good amount of rotted cow dung or farm yard manure should be incorporated with the soil at least 10-15 days before planting. The planting distance between the bulbs is 10-15 cm, while the rows are spaced 25 cm apart. For pot cultivation, 1-2 bulbs are planted in a 20 cm pot.

A fertilizer mixture containing 6 gms of urea, 16 gms each of superphosphate (single) and muriate of potash per square meter has been found to show satisfactory growth and flowering. The above mixture should be applied in two equal doses – the first dose before planting and the second one, 4 weeks after sprouting of the bulb. Commercial growers dig out bulbs 3 years after planting. They are stored in a cool, dry and shady place and planted again in the following spring.

ZEPHYRANTHES (Amaryllidaceae):

Zephyranthes has a fanciful meaning i.e. the West-wind Flower’ commonly known as Zephyr Flower or Fairy Lily. The Genus has about 50 species of bulbous flowering plants, native of warmer regions of America. It is related to Habranthus, Pyrolirion and Hippeastrum. Some of the popular species are Z.candida, Z.citrina, Z.grandiflora, Z rosea, Z macrosiphon, Z.tubispatha and Z.Verecunda. The flowers are with many colour ranges i.e., white, yellow and various shades of pink.

Zephyranthes is a hardy bulbous herb. Leaves are filiform or linear or may be strap shaped. Flowers solitary, peduncle elongated slender, hollow; perianth funnel-shaped, erect or slightly inclined, stamen 6, stigma 3-fid.

It is commonly propagated by separating the bulbs, sometimes through seeds. Bulbs are planted in spring, 30 to 40 mm deep and 2 to 15 cm apart. They flower during summer and rains and make a very colourful display especially in rains. Top dressing of organic manure once a year in a rainy season will promote flowering and the bulbs may be left undisturbed for many years.
Happy Gardening.

Rama Tyagi
tyagirama1@gmail.com

मैंने अनजाने में बनाया रेन वाटर बायोसवेल – और अब हर घर में होना चाहिए ऐसा एक कोना

लेखिका: श्रीमती रमा त्यागी
हॉर्टिकल्चर फ्लोरीकल्चर सोसाइटी, गाज़ियाबाद

यह सब एक बहुत साधारण सी सोच से शुरू हुआ—बारिश का अतिरिक्त पानी बगीचे की पगडंडी पर न रुके, बस उसे किनारे की ओर मोड़ना था। मैंने एक उथली सी नाली बनाई, नीचे थोड़े कंकड़ डाले, ऊपर मिट्टी और कुछ मजबूत घासें लगा दीं। मुझे तब नहीं पता था कि मैंने एक बायोसवेल बना दिया है—एक ऐसा प्राकृतिक सिस्टम जो वर्षा जल को धीरे-धीरे जमीन में समाने देता है।
और यह बेहद सुंदर तरीके से काम करने लगा।

पहली ही बारिश में देखा कि पानी बड़ी आसानी से उस नाली में बहा, मिट्टी में समा गया, और कहीं भी कीचड़ या पानी का जमाव नहीं हुआ। पौधों को नमी पसंद आई, मिट्टी पोषक बनी रही, और आस-पास की जगहें भी सूखी रहीं।

बायोसवेल क्या होता है?

बिलकुल आसान भाषा में कहें तो बायोसवेल एक उथला गड्ढा या नाली होता है, जिसमें मिट्टी, कंकड़ और पौधे होते हैं। यह नाली वर्षा का पानी धीरे-धीरे बहने देती है, उसे फिल्टर करती है, और फिर उसे जमीन में सोख लेती है। इसका उद्देश्य है कि पानी सीधे नालियों में ना बह जाए, बल्कि जमीन में जाए और जलस्तर को बढ़ाए।

हर घर में क्यों होना चाहिए ऐसा एक हिस्सा?

अधिकतर लोग सोचते हैं कि वर्षा जल संचयन (Rainwater Harvesting) का मतलब है टंकी, पाइप, या बड़ा सिस्टम। लेकिन बायोसवेल एक प्राकृतिक, सुंदर और सरल तरीका है। आप इसे अपने बगीचे के किसी कोने में, छत पर, या ड्राइववे के किनारे बना सकते हैं।
जरूरत होती है—
● एक छोटा सा गड्ढा
● थोड़ी सी परतें: कंकड़, रेत, और अच्छी मिट्टी
● कुछ जल-प्रेमी पौधे: जैसे लेमनग्रास, काना, वेटिवर
● और ऊपर थोड़ी पत्तियां या मल्च
नतीजा? आपकी जमीन भीगी रहेगी, पानी बर्बाद नहीं होगा, और वातावरण भी ठंडा और हरा-भरा लगेगा।

शहर की ज़रूरत, प्रकृति का उपाय

गाज़ियाबाद जैसे शहरों में, जहां जलस्तर लगातार गिर रहा है और हर बारिश के बाद जलभराव होता है, वहां बायोसवेल छोटा सा समाधान है, जो बड़ा बदलाव ला सकता है।
हॉर्टिकल्चर फ्लोरीकल्चर सोसाइटी की ओर से मैं हर परिवार, स्कूल और कॉलोनी से निवेदन करती हूँ कि एक छोटा बायोसवेल बनाएं—यह प्रकृति के प्रति हमारा सम्मान और भविष्य के लिए हमारी जिम्मेदारी है।

बारिश को जाने न दें, रोकिए, बचाइए, अपनाइए
इस मानसून, जब बारिश हो—तो बस खिड़की से न देखें, उसे अपने बगीचे में जगह दें। उस पानी को सहेजें, और अपने शहर को हरा भरा बनाएं।

रमा त्यागी
tyagirama1@gmail.com

Wind Chimes

Bring Harmony to Your Home and garden

According to Feng Shui, wind chimes are considered extremely auspicious and bring prosperity. The sweet sound of wind chimes eliminates negativity and calms the mind. If your house has Vastu defects, hanging wind chimes at the main entrance is a great remedy.

Where to Place: Hang wind chimes near the door or close to curtains, such that wind movement makes them chime. The gentle sound not only maintains a steady flow of energy but also removes dullness, depression, and indifference from the atmosphere.

Wind Chimes – A Source of Harmony, Energy & Cheerfulness

In today’s fast-paced and stressful life, creating peaceful and positive corners in your living space is essential. One simple yet powerful addition to your balcony, terrace, or garden is the wind chime.

1. Why Wind Chimes?
   Wind chimes are not just decorative items. Their gentle, melodious sound brings mental calmness and drives away negative energy. According to Feng Shui and Vastu Shastra, they are believed to invite prosperity and harmony into the home.
2. Balcony Benefits:
   Hang a wind chime near your balcony plants or by the railing. The sound blends beautifully with the rustle of leaves, enhancing relaxation. It also uplifts the mood and keeps the energy positive for morning tea or evening wind-downs.
3. Terrace Charm:
   On terraces, wind chimes not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also keep the energy flowing. The breeze activates them throughout the day, creating a serene atmosphere ideal for yoga, meditation, or gardening.
4. Garden Grace:
   In garden spaces, wind chimes can be hung from trees, pergolas, or arches. The natural air movement creates music that deters negative vibes and adds to the spiritual essence of nature, birdsong, and blooming flowers.
5. Choose Wisely:
   Metal chimes are ideal for the north or west direction, while wooden ones suit the east and southeast. Ensure they are light enough to move in the wind but sturdy enough to withstand weather.
   Final Thought:
   Whether it’s a small balcony or a lush garden, adding a wind chime transforms it into a haven of peace. Let the breeze create music that brings joy, clarity, and calmness into your life.
   DIY Tip:

1. 
   Make your own wind chime using:
   ● Old keys, shells, or metal spoons, bamboo,flutes .
   ● A sturdy stick or hoop
   ● Strong thread or fishing wire
   Decorate it with beads or small bells for extra charm.

Chime with keys

Bamboo chime

Bamboo chime

Happy Gardening
Rama Tyagi
tyagirama1@gmail.com